Concept:
Amino acids are classified based on the nature of their side chain (R-group). Basic amino acids have an additional amino group (\(-NH_2\)) or nitrogen-containing group in their side chain that can accept a proton, making them positively charged at physiological pH.
Step 1: Identify basic amino acids.
The three standard basic amino acids are:
• Lysine — contains an extra \(\varepsilon\)-amino group (\(-(CH_2)_4NH_2\))
• Arginine — contains a guanidino group (\(-NH-C(NH)NH_2\))
• Histidine — contains an imidazole ring (can accept a proton)
All three are positively charged at physiological pH.
Step 2: Check Leucine.
Leucine has a nonpolar, aliphatic side chain (\(-CH_2CH(CH_3)_2\)). It contains no additional amino or basic group. It is a neutral (nonpolar) amino acid.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Since Leucine lacks a basic side chain and is not positively charged at physiological pH, it is not a basic amino acid.