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Multiple Choice
Which of the following properties would most likely result in a protein having the largest negative net charge at pH 7?
A
A low isoelectric point (pI) due to a high content of acidic amino acids
B
A high content of nonpolar amino acids
C
A pI close to 7 with equal numbers of acidic and basic residues
D
A high isoelectric point (pI) due to a high content of basic amino acids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of isoelectric point (pI): The isoelectric point is the pH at which a protein has no net charge. Proteins with a low pI are rich in acidic amino acids, while proteins with a high pI are rich in basic amino acids.
Recall the relationship between pH and net charge: At pH 7, proteins with a low pI (below 7) will have a negative net charge because the acidic amino acids will be deprotonated, contributing negatively charged groups.
Analyze the options: Proteins with a high content of acidic amino acids will have a low pI and are more likely to have a negative net charge at pH 7. Proteins with a high content of basic amino acids will have a high pI and a positive net charge at pH 7.
Eliminate irrelevant options: A high content of nonpolar amino acids does not significantly affect the net charge at pH 7, as nonpolar residues are neutral. Similarly, a pI close to 7 with equal numbers of acidic and basic residues will result in a near-neutral charge at pH 7.
Conclude: The property most likely to result in a protein having the largest negative net charge at pH 7 is a low isoelectric point (pI) due to a high content of acidic amino acids.