Chemistry · Proteins: Elementary idea of a-amino acids, peptide bond, polypeptides, proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure (qualitative idea only), denaturation of proteins, enzymes

When an amino acid solution which is slightly alkaline is subjected to electroly

When an amino acid solution which is slightly alkaline is subjected to electrolysis, the resulting component migrates towards

  • A. Cathode due to zwitter ion formation.
  • B. Anode due to the conversion of zwitter ion to negative ion
  • C. Migrate to cathode due to the conversion to negative ion
  • D. One component towards cathode and the other towards anode due to the zwitter ion formation

Step-by-step solution

Amino acids exist as zwitterions at their isoelectric point. In a slightly alkaline solution (pH > pI), the zwitterion loses a proton from the ammonium group, forming a negatively charged ion. During electrolysis, negative ions migrate toward the anode (positive electrode). Thus, the amino acid component moves toward the anode.
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