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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