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1) The pKa for this amino acid\'s side chain is 12.5. At physiological pH (7.4),

ID: 475320 • Letter: 1

Question

1) The pKa for this amino acid's side chain is 12.5. At physiological pH (7.4), the strongest interaction for this side chain is therefore likely to be?

a) Charge-charge (ionic)

b) Charge-dipole

c) Charge-induced dipole

d) Van der Waals (dispersion)

2. The side chain of this amino acid has a pKa of 3.65, at physiological pH (7.4), what would the ionization (dissociation) status of the side chain be?

a) 100% ionized (dissociated)

b) 90% ionized

c) 99% ionized

d) 50% ionized

H2N-CH-C-OH CH2 CH2 CH2 O LIC C-ICI-ICI-IC-11-N -IC11-

Explanation / Answer

1) at pH = 7.4 > pka 12.5   we have   charge amino group side chain i.e C=NH2+

Hence major interactions would be   charge-dipole

2) pH = 7.4 , we have pka= 3.65

we use Henderson eq

pH = pka + log [ conjugate base] / [ acid]

7.4 = 3.65 + log [ conjugate base] / [ acid]

[conjugate base] = 5623 [ acid]

Let [acid] = 1M ( initially)   , at equilibrium [ acid] =1-X , [ conjugate base] = X

given X = 5623 ( 1-X)

X = 5623 / 5624 = 0.9999

Thus X% = 0.9999 x 100 = 99.99 %

Hence answer is option A