When an amino acid's carboxyl group donates a hydrogen ion to a body fluid, it is acting as:
A)an acid
B)a base
C)both of these
D)neither of these, because there is no effect on pH

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an amino acid's carboxyl group donates a hydrogen ion, it becomes negatively charged and forms a carboxylate ion. This results in an increase in the concentration of H+ (hydrogen ions) in the body fluid, leading to a decrease in pH. This process is known as acidification, and since the amino acid is donating H+, it is acting as an acid.

When an Amino Acid's Carboxyl Group Donates a Hydrogen Ion