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
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Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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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.
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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