Amino Acids

Question 1

What are amino acids?

Answer 1

1)Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins

2)They contain a carboxyl group, an amino group and a side chain

Question 2

The R group/Side chain

Answer 2

1)Varies in every amino acid

2)The side chain determines the property of different amino acids

Question 3

Amino group (in aqueous solution)

Answer 3

In aqueous solution, the amino group has the abiity to accept a hydrogen(+) proton and become positively charged

Question 4

Carboxyl group (In aqueous solution)

Answer 4

The carboxyl group can release a hydrogen (+) proton into water and become negativel charged

Question 5

Organic base (Amino group) vs. Organic acid (Carboxyl group)

Answer 5

1)The amino group is an organic base because bases can accept hydrogen (+) proton

2)The carboxyl group is thus an organic acid because an acid can donate hydrogen (+) proton

Question 6

Why are amino acids amphoteric?

Answer 6

Amino acids are amphoteric, because they contain both acid and base functional group