Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition

Published by Garland Science
ISBN 10: 0815344546
ISBN 13: 978-0-81534-454-4

Chapter 2 - Chemical Components of Cells - Questions - Page 56: Question 2-6

Answer

Only L-amino acids are used because a mix of the L and D amino acids would result in a different protein.

Work Step by Step

A macromolecule requires very specific amino acids in specific positions to be formed. Any change in an amino acid or in it's position would result in a different protein being synthesized. So if a random mixture of D and L forms was used in the process, the amino acid sequence would specify many structures as opposed to just one.
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