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Multiple Choice
Which of the following pairs of amino acids can form a salt bridge at physiological pH?
A
Serine and Threonine
B
Phenylalanine and Tyrosine
C
Glycine and Alanine
D
Aspartate and Lysine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a salt bridge: A salt bridge is a type of non-covalent interaction that occurs between oppositely charged amino acid side chains, typically at physiological pH (~7.4). This interaction is based on electrostatic attraction.
Identify the amino acid side chains that can carry charges at physiological pH: Acidic amino acids like Aspartate (Asp) and Glutamate (Glu) have negatively charged side chains due to their carboxyl groups. Basic amino acids like Lysine (Lys), Arginine (Arg), and Histidine (His) have positively charged side chains due to their amine groups.
Analyze the pairs of amino acids provided: Serine and Threonine have polar, uncharged side chains; Phenylalanine and Tyrosine have aromatic side chains, with Tyrosine being slightly polar; Glycine and Alanine have nonpolar side chains. None of these pairs can form a salt bridge because they lack oppositely charged side chains.
Focus on the pair Aspartate and Lysine: Aspartate has a negatively charged carboxyl group (-COO⁻) at physiological pH, and Lysine has a positively charged amine group (-NH₃⁺) at physiological pH. These oppositely charged groups can interact to form a salt bridge.
Conclude that Aspartate and Lysine are the correct pair to form a salt bridge at physiological pH due to their complementary charges and electrostatic attraction.