Amino acids

Question 1

What do funct groups do amino acids contain?
What does it mean to be amphoteric?

Answer 1

• A basic amino (NH2)
• A carboxylic acid (COOH)

Means that due to both acidic and basic presence, the molecule can act in both ways.

Question 2

What is the relevance of amino acids to the human body?

Answer 2

There are twenty naturally ocuring amino acids within the body, these make up proteins.

Question 3

What is the general formula of a protein? What does R represent?

Answer 3

RCH(NH2)COOH
R- can be acidic another COOH
- Can be basic OH
- Or could be neutral CH3

Question 4

What occurs when a amino acid reacts with HCl?

Answer 4

The amine group on the amino acid will act as a base and accept a proton, to form an ammonium salt.

Question 5

WHat will happen if the amino acid reacts with a base?

Answer 5

The carboxylic acid will be neutralised, forming water and a salt

Question 6

How can esterification take place? What conditions needed? What occurs on side as a result?

Answer 6

Reaction of an amino acid and an alcohol. Heated in the presence of conc H2SO4.
Due to acidic conditions the amine will be protonated.