Predict the direction of movement of each of the following amino acids in a solution at the pH value specified under the

influence
of an electric field. Indicate the direction as toward the positive electrode or toward the negative electrode. Write “isoelectric” if
no net movement occurs

a. Alanine at pH = 12.0

Alanine has no acid or base on its side chain to consider. At pH 12.0, there is a lack of protons because the
solution is basic. Therefore, the carboxylic acid and the amine are deprotonated.
The molecule has an overall negative charge and will migrate toward the positive electrode.

b. Valine at pH = 5.97

Valine has no acid or base on its side chain to consider. At pH 5.97, the pH is near neutral, so the
carboxylic acid will be deprotonated and the amine will be protonated.
The molecule is isoelectric, so it will not migrate.

c. Aspartic acid at pH = 1.0

Aspartic acid has a carboxylic acid on its side chain. At pH 1.0, there is an excess of protons
because the solution is very acidic. Therefore, the carboxylic acids and the amine will be
protonated.
The molecule has an overall positive charge and will migrate toward the negative electrode.

d. Arginine at pH = 13.0

Arginine has a basic guanidine on its side chain. At pH 13.0, there is a lack of protons because the
solution is very basic. Therefore, the carboxylic acid, amine, and guanidine will be
deprotonated.
The molecule has an overall negative charge and will migrate toward the positive electrode.