Amino Acids Flashcards
0
Q
What are the properties of amino acids?
A
High melting points as they are ionic, dissolve well in water, solid at room temperature
1
Q
What do amino acids exist as?
A
Zwitterions which have both a permanent positive and negative charge though the compound is neutral overall
2
Q
How will an amino acid act in strongly acidic conditions?
A
It acts as a base, accepting a hydrogen on the NH2 group forming NH3^+
3
Q
How will an amino acid act in strongly basic conditions?
A
It will act as an acid and loses a hydrogen from the COOH group to form COO^-
4
Q
What is the structure of a peptide bond?
A
-C-N-
|| |
O H
5
Q
In what reaction are peptide bonds broken?
A
Hydrolysis
