Concept:
Amino acids have a general structure:
\[
\text{NH}_2 - \text{CH}(R) - \text{COOH}
\]
where \(R\) is the side chain that determines the identity and properties of the amino acid.
Step 1: Recall the structure of serine.
Serine is a polar amino acid with a hydroxyl (\(-OH\)) group in its side chain.
Its structure is:
\[
\text{NH}_2 - \text{CH}(\text{CH}_2\text{OH}) - \text{COOH}
\]
Step 2: Identify the R group.
From the structure:
\[
R = \text{CH}_2\text{OH} = \text{HO} - \text{CH}_2-
\]
Step 3: Match with the given options.
Comparing with options:
- (A) \(\text{CH}_3-\) â present in alanine $\times$
- (B) \(\text{H}_3\text{C} - \text{CHOH}-\) â not serine $\times$
- (C) \(\text{Me}_2\text{CH}-\) â present in valine $\times$
- (D) \(\text{HO} - \text{CH}_2-\) â matches serine \checkmark
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, the side chain of serine is:
\[
\text{HO} - \text{CH}_2-
\]