Chapter 18.4, Problem 18.14P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Functional group in the zwitter ion form of an amino acid, which is an acid and which is base is to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

Many amino acids are linked together through amide bonds to form a biologically large molecule known to be proteins.

Amino functional group is $(-N{H}_2)$ and carboxyl functional group is $(-COOH)$ and a $R$ group is considered as side chain, when all these are bonded to same carbon atom.

Zwitter ion has both positive as well as negative charge, thus it is also called neutral dipolar ion.

Zwitter ion accepts proton in acidic condition and in basic condition zwitter ion lose electrons.