Question

How do amino acids behave in acidic and basic solutions? Justify.

Answer 1

Amino acids behave as acids in basic conditions and as bases in acidic conditions.

• All amino acids have an amino group $(-N{H}_2)$, which is alkaline, and a carboxylic acid group $(-COOH)$, which is acidic.
• In basic conditions, the $-COOH$ group loses a $H^{+}$ to become -$CO{O}^{-}$. By donating a $H^{+}$, the amino acid is acting as an acid.
• When in contact with an acid, the $-N{H}_2$ group receives a $H^{+}$ ion and becomes $-N{H}_3^{+}$. By accepting a $H^{+}$ ion, the amino acid behaves as a base.