3.3.13.1 Amino Acids Flashcards
What is the R group called in an amino acid?
Residue
What is the residue of glycine and alanine?
Glycine: H
Alanine: CH3
What are the groups in an amino acid?
Amine, carboxylic acid, residue
Why is an amino acid bifunctional?
Because there are two functional groups
Why is an amino acid amphoteric?
They can react with acids or bases
What happens to an amino acid in alkaline solutions?
High pH
The OH atoms lose the hydrogen atom to form a negative charge on the oxygen
What happens to an amino acid in acidic solutions?
Low pH
The hydrogen is added to the nitrogen atom so that three hydrogens are attached to it
What is the isoelectric point determined by?
The R group
Why are amino acids chiral molecules?
It has four functional groups attached to the central carbon
Two of the functional groups in glycine are H so it is not chiral
What is a zwitterion?
An ion with both a positive and a negative charge
What is the name of (CH3)4 N+ Br-
Quaternary ammonium bromide salt
If you are not sure of the condition of a reaction, what should you put down?
Excess
What is the isoelectric point?
The pH at which the molecule is neutral
Why are amino acids known as zwitterions?
They have a carboxylic acid group which accepts protons and an amine group which donates protons
What is it called when an amino group gains a proton?
Protonated
