How to remember nonpolar amino acids with easy mnemonics

Biochemistry students and pre-med candidates are often tasked with memorizing the twenty standard amino acids, a crucial step for understanding protein structure and function. A key part of this process is learning how to remember nonpolar amino acids, which are defined by their hydrophobic side chains and play a vital role in protein folding and membrane-spanning regions.

Quick Summary

This guide provides powerful mnemonics and visual tricks to help memorize the nonpolar amino acids efficiently. It covers both aliphatic and aromatic nonpolar amino acids, offering multiple memory aids for each group to ensure easy recall. The techniques range from acronyms to descriptive phrases.

Key Points

• Acronyms Simplify Recall: Use simple acronyms like GAV LIMP for aliphatic nonpolar amino acids to quickly recall them.

• Sentence Mnemonics Offer Context: Phrases like "Glaciers in Alaska valiantly locate isolated prowlers" link amino acid names with their structural progression, aiding in deeper understanding.

• Visuals Aid Structural Memory: Associate the shape of the side chain with the amino acid name, such as the 'V' shape for Valine, to improve recall.

• Active Recall is Key to Retention: Instead of re-reading, actively test your memory by attempting to list the nonpolar amino acids from scratch.

• Categorization Boosts Learning: Divide the nine nonpolar amino acids into smaller groups (aliphatic and aromatic) to make memorization less overwhelming.

Mnemonics for Nonpolar Amino Acids

Memorizing the full list of amino acids can feel daunting, but breaking them down by category, such as nonpolar, can make the task much more manageable. The nonpolar amino acids are characterized by their hydrophobic side chains, which consist primarily of hydrocarbon groups. By using mnemonic devices, you can create a memorable phrase or word to link the amino acid names and their single-letter codes. There are nine nonpolar amino acids in total, which are often separated into aliphatic and aromatic sub-groups for easier memorization.

Aliphatic Nonpolar Amino Acids

The aliphatic nonpolar amino acids are Glycine (G), Alanine (A), Valine (V), Leucine (L), Isoleucine (I), Methionine (M), and Proline (P). They are named for their open-chain hydrocarbon side groups. Here are some mnemonics to help you remember this list:

• GAV LIMP: This classic mnemonic is straightforward and uses the one-letter codes for each amino acid.

  • Glycine
  • Alanine
  • Valine
  • Leucine
  • Isoleucine
  • Methionine
  • Proline

• "Glaciers in Alaska valiantly locate isolated prowlers": This sentence-based mnemonic is particularly useful as it follows the structural order of the amino acids. Glycine is the simplest, followed by alanine with a methyl group, and so on.

  • Glaciers = Glycine
  • Alaska = Alanine
  • Valiantly = Valine
  • Locate = Leucine
  • Isolated = Isoleucine
  • Prowlers = Proline

• FVIP WGLAM: Another common, though less intuitive, acronym combines all nonpolar amino acids, including the aromatics. However, focusing on the aliphatic group first can simplify the process.

Aromatic Nonpolar Amino Acids

The aromatic nonpolar amino acids are Phenylalanine (F), Tryptophan (W), and sometimes Tyrosine (Y), though Tyrosine is often considered polar due to its hydroxyl group. Aromatic rings are nonpolar and contribute to the hydrophobicity of these amino acids.

• WYF: A simple acronym for the nonpolar and polar aromatic amino acids (Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine) is WYF. If you only need the nonpolar ones, remember FW (Phenylalanine and Tryptophan). The name "wife" is a memorable way to pronounce WYF, and it helps you recall this small, distinct group.

Comparison of Nonpolar Amino Acid Mnemonics

Choosing the best mnemonic depends on your learning style. Here is a table comparing some of the most popular mnemonics for the nonpolar amino acids.

Mnemonic	Amino Acids Included	Type	Benefit	Drawback
GAV LIMP	G, A, V, L, I, M, P	Acronym	Short, easy to remember for aliphatic group	Excludes aromatic nonpolar amino acids F and W.
"Glaciers in Alaska valiantly locate isolated prowlers"	G, A, V, L, I, P	Sentence	Helps visualize structural progression	Excludes M and aromatic nonpolars. Longer phrase.
LIMP VAG (FW)	L, I, M, P, V, A, G, F, W	Acronym	Comprehensive, includes all nonpolar amino acids	Less intuitive, requires knowing one-letter codes.
WYF	W, Y, F	Acronym	Specific for aromatic amino acids	Includes Tyrosine (Y), which is borderline nonpolar.
"Grandma Always Visits London In May For Winston's Party"	G, A, V, L, I, M, F, W, P	Sentence	Covers all nine nonpolar amino acids	Quite long, more complex to remember initially.

Advanced Memory Techniques for Amino Acids

Beyond simple mnemonics, several advanced techniques can enhance your memorization of nonpolar amino acids and their properties. These methods leverage visual and spatial memory to create more robust connections.

Memory Palaces (Method of Loci)

This technique, recommended by memory experts, involves associating each amino acid with a specific location in a familiar mental space, like your home. You can create a "Nonpolar Room" where you place visual representations of each nonpolar amino acid. For example, in the corner, you might picture a Gargoyle (Glycine). Next to it, an Apple (Alanine). By walking through your mental room, you can recall the amino acids in a systematic order.

Visualize the Structures

For a deeper understanding, practice associating the mnemonic with the actual structure of the amino acid. For instance:

• Valine (V): The side chain branches like a 'V' shape, which makes it easy to remember visually. This reinforces both the name and the structure simultaneously.
• Leucine (L) and Isoleucine (I): These are isomers, meaning they have the same atoms but a different arrangement. Visualize an 'L' for leucine, which has a straight chain attached to the main carbon chain. For isoleucine, the isomer, remember it has a branched structure starting closer to the central carbon, making it look less like a neat 'L'.
• Methionine (M): Note the unique sulfur atom within its aliphatic side chain. Visualize a Meth lab with sulfur fumes to help you remember this exception to the "just hydrocarbons" rule.
• Proline (P): Proline is unique because its side chain loops back and binds to the amino group, forming a rigid ring. Picture a capital 'P' with its loop connecting to the nitrogen.
• Tryptophan (W): With the bulky double-ring structure, visualize the 'W' from its one-letter code representing the shape.

Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

Instead of passively re-reading lists, actively test yourself. After learning a group of nonpolar amino acids, try to recall them from memory without looking at your notes. Spaced repetition, where you revisit the information at increasing intervals, can further consolidate the memorization. Using flashcards or an app can automate this process effectively.

Conclusion

Mastering how to remember nonpolar amino acids is a fundamental step in biochemistry. By utilizing a combination of mnemonic devices like GAV LIMP, visual associations with amino acid structures, and advanced memory techniques such as a memory palace, students can confidently and efficiently recall these essential molecules. The key is to find the method that best suits your individual learning style and practice it consistently. Whether you prefer a catchy phrase or a complex visual system, there is a proven method to help you master this biochemical hurdle. For more detailed information on all 20 amino acids, including their properties, the International ImMunoGeneTics Information System (IMGT) offers comprehensive data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nonpolar amino acid?

A nonpolar amino acid is an amino acid with a hydrophobic side chain, meaning it repels water. These side chains are generally composed of hydrocarbon groups.

Which amino acids are nonpolar?

The nine nonpolar amino acids are Glycine (G), Alanine (A), Valine (V), Leucine (L), Isoleucine (I), Methionine (M), Proline (P), Phenylalanine (F), and Tryptophan (W).

How can I remember the aliphatic nonpolar amino acids?

A popular mnemonic for the aliphatic group is GAV LIMP, representing Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Methionine, and Proline.

Are aromatic amino acids nonpolar?

Yes, Phenylalanine (F) and Tryptophan (W) are nonpolar aromatic amino acids due to their hydrophobic ring structures. Tyrosine (Y) has an aromatic ring but is often classified as polar because of its hydroxyl group.

What is the mnemonic for the aromatic nonpolar amino acids?

A simple mnemonic for the three aromatic amino acids (Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, and Tyrosine) is WYF, pronounced "wife," which includes both nonpolar and the borderline polar ones.

What is the best technique to remember amino acid structures?

Beyond mnemonics, visualizing the structures and practicing drawing them is effective. For example, visualize the 'V' shape of Valine or the ring of Proline to aid recall.

Why is it important to remember nonpolar amino acids?

Memorizing nonpolar amino acids is crucial for understanding how proteins fold and function. Their hydrophobic nature drives them to the core of proteins or into lipid environments, like cell membranes.