F324 Unit 4: Polymers and amino acids

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  • Created by: Saoirse
  • Created on: 08-06-14 01:22

Amino acids:

  • Amphoteric - react with both acids and bases
  • General formula NH2RCHCOOH

Zwitterions and the isoelectric point

Isoelectric point: pH value at which an amino acid exists as a zwitterion.

Zwitterion: COOH donates a H to the NH3. because both +ve and -ve charges are present there is no overall charge.

  • At a pH that is more acidic than the isoelectic point:
    • the amino acid behaves as a base and accepts a proton from the acid
    • the amino acid forms

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