What are the differences between acidic and basic amino acids?
Posted October 2, 2024
Basis of differentiation |
Acidic amino acids |
Basic amino acids |
Definition |
Are amino acids with a carboxylic acid group on their side chains at neutral pH, resulting in acidic properties in the molecule |
Are amino acids with an amino group on their side chains at neutral pH, resulting in basic or alkaline properties in the molecule |
Side chain |
Side chain is acidic |
Side chain is basic |
Charge |
Have a net negative charge at neutral pH |
Have a net positive charge at neutral pH. |
pKa value |
Low pKa values |
High pKa values |
Ionization |
Form anions due to the potential to lose protons |
Form cations due to the potential to gain protons |
Properties |
Have a carboxylic acid side chain resulting in acidic properties in the molecule |
Have an amino group in the side chains, resulting in basic properties in the molecule |
Examples |
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Mechanistic study of the solubilization effect of basic amino acids on a poorly water-soluble drug