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What are the differences between acidic and basic amino acids?
Posted October 2, 2024

Answer

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  

  • Glutamic acid
  • Aspartic acid 
  • Lysine
  • Arginine
  • Histidine