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AAT Bioquest

What are the examples of basic amino acids?

Posted October 2, 2024


Answer

The three basic amino acids are arginine, lysine, and histidine. Their side chains have multiple nitrogen atoms, reflecting the presence of amine groups. The high pKa values of these three basic amino acids allow them to accept protons easily and become positively charged at neutral pH. pKa measures the acidity of a compound, with lower values indicating higher acidity and a greater tendency to release protons.

Additional resources

Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids

Amino Acid Reference Chart