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Amino Acids Properties
Amino Acids Properties
R-COOH R-COO- + H+
R-NH2 R-NH3 +
Since these reactions are reversible this indicates that
they can act as acids (as demonstrated by the forward
reaction) or as bases (as demonstrated by the reverse
reaction) which explains the acid-base behavior and
thus the Amphoteric property of amino acids.
What is the Zwitterions form ?
All neutral amino acids are present in the Zwitterions
form at physiological pH (around 7.4) the carboxyl
group will be unprotonated and the amino group will
be protonated.
Amphoteric properties of amino acids; amino acids due to the presence of their
ionizable α-amino and α-carboxylic group can act sometimes as acids and
sometimes as bases depending on the pH of their media .
.
In solutions more basic than the pI of the amino acid, the amino group —NH3 + in
the amino acid donates a proton.
In solution more acidic than the pI of the amino acid, the carboxylic group COO- in
the amino acid accepts a proton.
Thus behaving sometimes as an acid and other times as a base depending on the
pH of the solution.
a)Polarity of amino acids;
Since amino acids are present in the Zwitterions form at physiological pH.
Where it carries a +ve charge on the α-amino
group and a –ve charge on the α-carboxylic
group , thus creating two opposite charges
On both sides of the molecule thus showing
polar properties.
b)Isoelectric point pI ;
It is that pH at which the amino acid net electrical charge is equal to zero ,and
thus cannot move in an electrical field.
3-Ultraviolet Absorption Spectrum of Aromatic amino acids;
The aromatic amino acids
tryptophan , tyrosine ,
histidine and
phenyl alanine absorb
ultraviolet light at
280nm ,which explains
the absorption of
proteins at 280nm.
Amino acids can be present in two Configurations the L-isomer
and the D-isomer which are mirror images , which differ in the
arrangement of the chemical groups around the α-carbon atom.
All amino acids in proteins are in the L-configuration , L-amino
acids.
Physical properties of amino acids;
1-Amino acids are mainly water soluble which is explained by its polarity and
the presence of charged groups. They are soluble thus in polar solvents and
not soluble in non-polar solvents.
2-They have a high melting point reflecting the high energy needed to break
the ionic forces maintaining the crystal lattice.