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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the side chain of arginine at a pH of 11?
A
It is positively charged due to the protonated guanidinium group.
B
It is hydrophobic and uncharged at this pH.
C
It is negatively charged due to loss of a proton from the side chain.
D
It is neutral because the guanidinium group is deprotonated.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of arginine: Arginine is an amino acid with a side chain containing a guanidinium group, which is highly basic and typically protonated at physiological pH.
Review the concept of pH and its effect on ionizable groups: At a pH of 11, the environment is alkaline, meaning fewer protons (H⁺) are available compared to physiological pH.
Determine the pKa of the guanidinium group: The guanidinium group of arginine has a pKa around 12.5, which means it remains protonated and positively charged at pH values below its pKa.
Analyze the pH relative to the pKa: Since the pH of 11 is below the pKa of 12.5, the guanidinium group will still retain its proton and remain positively charged.
Conclude the behavior of the side chain: At pH 11, the guanidinium group of arginine is positively charged due to its protonated state, and the side chain is not hydrophobic or negatively charged.