Protein chemistry Flashcards
What is meant by the alpha carbon ?
The alpha carbon is the carbon atom attached to the carboxyl group in the amino acid molecule.
Discuss the solubility of the amino acids.
Amino acids are soluble in polar solvents like water and alchol due to the presence of charged groups ( carboxyl group and amino group ).
What are the colour of amino acids ?
Amino acids are colourless as they don’t absorb visible light. Aromatic amino acids absorb ultraviolet rays ( wave length of 280 nm )
What is a chiral carbon ?
It is a carbon atom attached to 4 different types of atoms or groups and it is an asymmetrical carbon. All the amino acids are asymmetrical except glycine.
What is a zwitter ion ?
It is an electrically neutral amino acid.
What is the Isoelectric point ?
The specific pH at which the AA can exist in dipolar form with zero net charge.
