Amino Acids Flashcards
What is an amino acid?
An amino acid is an organic molecule that is made up of a basic amino group (−NH2), an acidic carboxyl group (−COOH), and an organic R group (or side chain) that is unique to each amino acid.
How many functional groups are in an amino acid and what are they?
Amino acid has two functional group which contains an amine and a carboxylic acid group.
How many naturally occurring amino acids are there?
20
Is an amino acid a base or acid?
An amino acid can be both acidic and alkaline because of its two functional group: amine (base) and carboxylic acid (acid) but depending on the environment.
What are essential amino acids?
Essential amino acids are those you get from your diet.
What are non-essential amino acids?
Nonessential amino acids are produced in the body.
What is a dipeptide?
It is when two amino acids are combine together through the link of a peptide.
How are peptides named?
It is named by starting at the N-terminal end and listing the amino acid residues from left to right.
What is a Zwitterion?
A Zwitterion is a compound with no overall electrical charge, but which contains separate parts which are positively and negatively charged.
What happens when an amino acid is placed in a solution that is either acidic or alkaline?
The Zwitterion can become a cation (more overall positive charge in an acidic environment) or an anion (more overall negative charge in an alkaline environment).
At what point will an amino acid exist as a Zwitterion?
At pH of 5.60
What is the range of pH values when it will be positively charged?
When the pH is greater than 5.60
What is the range of pH values when it will be negatively charged?
When the pH is less than 5.60
What is an Electrophoresis?
It is a separation technique using the mobility of ions in an electric field.
