Which of the following represents how a typical amino acid would mainly exist in basic solution (pH 7)?
E) None of the above.

Question

Which of the following represents how a typical amino acid would mainly exist in basic solution (pH > 7)?
E) None of the above.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In basic solution, the amino acid would exist as its conjugate base (deprotonated form) because the excess OH- ions would remove the proton from the amino group (+NH3) of the amino acid molecule, forming NH2 (the amino group in the conjugate base). The carboxyl group (-COOH) would remain ionized, thus giving the amino acid molecule a net negative charge. Choice B represents the deprotonated form of an amino acid with the carboxyl group ionized as COO- and the amino group as NH2.

Which of the Following Represents How a Typical Amino Acid