Moderate

In an aqueous solution, amino acids exist in an ionic form as shown below. This ionic form of amino acid is known as:

Correct answer: A. Zwitter ion

  • A. Zwitter ion
  • B. Amphoteric ion
  • C. Cation
  • D. Anion

Explanation

A zwitter ion is a compound with no overall electrical charge, but which contains separate parts which are positively and negatively charged. In an aqueous solution, the carboxyl group can lose a proton (becomes a basic group) and the amino group can accept a proton (becomes acidic) giving rise to the dipolar ion known as zwitter ion. An amphoteric compound is a molecule or ion that can react both as an acid and as a base.

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About Macromolecules

Proteins are classified by shape, composition and structure, from primary amino acid sequence to secondary, tertiary and quaternary organisation, and their biological roles are linked to this structure. Enzymes are examined as protein biocatalysts, including active sites, substrate specificity, activation energy, cofactors and factors affecting activity.

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