Question detail
Which statement correctly describes zwitterion formation in amino acids?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
Question
- A. The amine group donates a proton to the carboxylic acid group.
- B. The carboxylic acid group donates a proton to the amine group.
- C. Both groups remain neutral without any proton transfer.
- D. Zwitterions are formed only in acidic solutions.
Answer
The carboxylic acid group donates a proton to the amine group.
Explanation
In zwitterion formation, the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) donates a proton to the amine group (-NH2), resulting in a molecule that has both a positive and a negative charge, thus forming a zwitterion.
Common mistake
Confusing Functional Groups
Students often describe amino acids without clearly identifying the presence of both amine (-NH2) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional groups.
To fix this, remember that an amino acid contains both an amine group and a carboxylic acid group. For example, the general structure of an amino acid can be represented as R-CH(NH2)-COOH, where R represents the variable side chain. Clearly state both functional groups when describing amino acids.
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