Question 1
Question detail
What is the significance of zwitterion formation in the behavior of amino acids in solution?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
Question
What is the significance of zwitterion formation in the behavior of amino acids in solution?
Answer
Zwitterion formation allows amino acids to be soluble in water, as the charged groups interact favorably with polar water molecules. This solubility is crucial for their role in biological processes, such as protein synthesis.
Explanation
This answer effectively connects zwitterion formation to the solubility of amino acids, highlighting its importance in biological systems. The question assesses the student's ability to apply their knowledge of zwitterions to real-world biochemical contexts.
Common mistake
Zwitterion misconception
Students think a zwitterion is a neutral molecule with no internal charges.
Explain that a zwitterion contains both a positively charged ammonium group (–NH₃⁺) and a negatively charged carboxylate group (–COO⁻) on the same amino‑acid, giving a net zero charge but internal charges that must be considered when describing its formation.
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