Write the structure of tyrosine

Tyrosine is a standard amino acid with structure: \mathrm{HO\!-C_6H_4\!-CH_2\!-CH(NH_2)\!-COOH}

It contains:

• one benzene ring,
• one methylene carbon $(-CH_2-)$,
• one alpha carbon $(-CH-)$,
• one carboxyl carbon $(-COOH)$.

Count carbon atoms

• Benzene ring: $6$ carbons
• Side chain $-CH_2-$: $1$ carbon
• Alpha carbon $-CH-$: $1$ carbon
• Carboxyl carbon $-COOH$: $1$ carbon

Total carbon atoms: $6+1+1+1=9$

Final answer

The total number of carbon atoms in tyrosine is: $\boxed{9}$

Comparison with stored correct answer

• Derived answer: $9$
• Stored correct answer: $9$

These match.