If a cellular fluid is becoming too alkaline, an amino acid will:
A)donate a hydrogen ion from its amine group
B)pick up a hydrogen ion with its amine group
C)donate a hydrogen ion from its carboxyl group
D)pick up a hydrogen ion with its carboxyl group

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Amino acids can act as both acids and bases because of their amine and carboxyl functional groups. In this scenario, the cellular fluid is becoming too alkaline, which means there are too many hydroxide ions present. To counteract this, an acid (in this case, the amino acid) is needed to donate a hydrogen ion. The carboxyl group of an amino acid is acidic and can donate a hydrogen ion, making choice C the correct answer.

If a Cellular Fluid Is Becoming Too Alkaline, an Amino