Chapter 27, Problem 27.67AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason as to why the low $\text{pH}$ destroys the helical structure of Poly $-\text{L}-$ lysine and the high $\text{pH}$ destroys the helical structure of Poly $-\text{L}-$ glutamic acid is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The amino acid is made of two functional groups an amine group $-{\text{NH}}_{\text{2}}$ and a carboxyl group $-\text{COOH}$. Along with a side chain is also attached to the center carbon atom due to which each amino acid is distinguished. The amino acid lysine contains $-{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{4}}{\text{NH}}_{\text{2}}$ and the amino acid glutamic acid contains $-{\left({\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\right)}_{\text{2}}\text{COOH}$ side-chain respectively.