In basic conditions, amino acid exists in which of the following forms?

Correct answer: D. D

  • A. A
  • B. B
  • C. C
  • D. D

Explanation

In basic conditions, the amino acid exists in the form of its conjugate base called the zwitterion or dipolar ion. The amino group (-NH2) acts as a base and accepts a proton (H+) to form an ammonium ion (-NH3+). The carboxyl group (-COOH) acts as an acid and donates a proton to form a carboxylate ion (-COO-). These two groups are present in the same molecule and balance each other's charges, resulting in the formation of a dipolar ion. This dipolar ion has no net charge and is represented as:H2N-CH2-COO-Thus, option D (H2N-CH2-COOH) is the correct form of an amino acid under basic conditions.

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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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