QUESTION 1 The structure of an amino acid at pH 7 is shown below. This amino acid is most likely COO- // H-C-CH2-C NH Aromatic O Polar and uncharged at pH 7. Non-polar O Polar and charged at pH 7.
QUESTION 1 The structure of an amino acid at pH 7 is shown below. This amino acid is most likely COO- // H-C-CH2-C NH Aromatic O Polar and uncharged at pH 7. Non-polar O Polar and charged at pH 7.
Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
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1
Transcribed Image Text:QUESTION 1
The structure of an amino acid at pH 7 is shown below. This amino acid is most likely
COO-
H-C-CH2-C
NH
Aromatic
Polar and uncharged at pH 7.
Non-polar
O Polar and charged at pH 7.
Expert Solution
Step 1
An amino acid's structure allows it to function as both an acid and a base. Because nearly all amino acid molecules exist as zwitterions at a specific pH value (different for each amino acid), an amino acid possesses this ability.
When acid is added to a zwitterion solution, the carboxylate group grabs a hydrogen (H+) ion, making the amino acid positively charged.
When a base is added, the H+ ion from the zwitterion's amino group is removed, resulting in a negatively charged amino acid.
In both cases, the amino acid helps to keep the system's pH stable.
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