Question:

Amino acid in zwitter ionic form show

Updated On: May 15, 2024

Acid Behaviour
Basic Behavior
Amphoteric Behavior
Neutral Behavior

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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Amino acids in their zwitterionic form exhibit amphoteric behavior.

Amino acids contain both an acidic carboxyl group \((COOH)\) and a basic amino group (NH2) in their structure. In their zwitterionic form, the carboxyl group loses a proton (H⁺) and becomes negatively charged \((COO^⁻)\), while the amino group gains a proton and becomes positively charged \((NH₃^⁺)\). This results in the formation of a zwitterion with both positive and negative charges within the same molecule.

Due to the presence of both acidic and basic groups, amino acids in their zwitterionic form can act as both acids and bases. They can donate a proton from the carboxyl group, exhibiting acidic behavior, and they can accept a proton by the amino group, displaying basic behavior. Hence, amino acids in their zwitterionic form are considered amphoteric, meaning they can exhibit both acidic and basic behavior.

Therefore, the correct option is (C): Amphoteric Behavior.

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Concepts Used:

Biomolecules

Biomolecules are the most essential organic molecules, which are involved in the maintenance and metabolic processes of living organisms. These non-living molecules are the actual foot-soldiers of the battle of sustenance of life.

There are four major classes of Biomolecules – Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic acids and Lipids.

Carbohydrates are chemically defined as polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones or compounds which produce them on hydrolysis.
Proteins are another class of indispensable biomolecules, which make up around 50per cent of the cellular dry weight. Proteins are polymers of amino acids arranged in the form of polypeptide chains. The structure of proteins is classified as primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary in some cases.
Nucleic acids refer to the genetic material found in the cell that carries all the hereditary information from parents to progeny. There are two types of nucleic acids namely, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The main function of nucleic acid is the transfer of genetic information and synthesis of proteins by processes known as translation and transcription.
Lipids are organic substances that are insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, are related to fatty acids and are utilized by the living cell.