Amino Acids Flashcards
1
Q
2-amino acids
A
The carbon atom of the carboxyl group is numbered as the first carbon in the chain, and amino group is bonded to carbon adjacent to it (carbon 2). Also called alpha amino acids.
2
Q
General formula of an amino acid
A
NH2-CRH-COOH
3
Q
Amino acids as zwitterions
A
Amino acids contain polar amino and carboxyl functional groups. Can form hydrogen bonds and are soluble in water.
NH2 can act as a base, accepting a proton to become NH3+
COOH group can act as an acid, donating a proton to become a COO- group
This is a zwitterion as the molecule contains positive and negative charges but no charge overall
