13. amino acids, proteins and DNA

• What is the structure of an amino acid?

  Amino group, carboxyl group, R group
• What is the significance of the R group in amino acids?

  It determines the specific amino acid
• What does it mean for amino acids to be amphoteric?

  They have both acidic and basic properties
• What is the exception to the chirality of amino acids?

  Glycine
• What is the isoelectric point of an amino acid?

  The pH at which the average charge is zero
• What are the two naming conventions for amino acids?

  Common name and systematic name
• How do you determine the systematic name of an amino acid?

  By identifying the longest carbon chain
• What is the systematic name for alanine?

  1. amino-propanoic acid
• What happens to amino acids in acidic solutions?

  They gain protons and become positively charged
• What is a zwitterion?

  A molecule with both positive and negative charges
• What is the role of thin layer chromatography (TLC) in amino acid analysis?

  To separate and identify amino acids
• Why are amino acids colorless in TLC?

  They do not absorb visible light
• What must be ensured when placing the TLC plate in the solvent?

  The baseline must be above the solvent level
• How do amino acids behave differently in alkaline solutions?

  They lose protons and become negatively charged
• What does the position of amino acid spots on the chromatogram indicate?

  Solubility in the solvent
• What is the significance of marking the solvent front in TLC?

  It helps analyze the migration of amino acids
• What is the stationary phase used in TLC?

  Silica or alumina
• What happens to amino acids at their isoelectric point?

  They exist as zwitterions
• How does the structure of amino acids contribute to their properties?

  The presence of both amino and carboxyl groups
• What is the first step in naming an amino acid systematically?

  Identify the longest carbon chain
• What is the role of the pencil line in TLC?

  It serves as a baseline for samples
• What is the common name for the amino acid with the systematic name 2-amino-propanoic acid?

  Alanine
• What is the importance of amino acids in biological systems?

  They are the building blocks of proteins
• How do amino acids contribute to protein structure?

  They form peptide bonds through condensation
• What is the effect of pH on the charge of amino acids?

  It alters their ionization state
• What is the significance of the amino group in amino acids?

  It acts as a base in reactions
• What is the primary function of proteins in living organisms?

  To perform various biological functions
• How do amino acids differ from each other?

  By their unique R groups
• What is the relationship between amino acids and enzymes?

  Enzymes are proteins made of amino acids
• How can amino acids be detected after TLC?

  Using specific staining methods
• What is the role of the carboxyl group in amino acids?

  It acts as an acid in reactions
• What is the common name for the amino acid with the systematic name 3-amino-butyric acid?


  Not specified in the material
• What is the significance of the carboxyl group in amino acids?

  It contributes to the acid-base properties
• How does the structure of amino acids influence their function?

  Different R groups lead to diverse functions
• What is the importance of understanding amino acid properties in biochemistry?

  It aids in protein structure and function analysis
• What is the role of TLC in forensic science?

  To identify amino acids in samples
• What is the primary use of amino acids in the body?

  Building proteins
• How does the pH affect amino acid behavior?

  It changes their ionization and charge
• What is the significance of the amino and carboxyl groups in amino acids?

  They determine the acid-base behavior
• How can the knowledge of amino acids be applied in medicine?

  To develop treatments based on protein function