A polypeptide with a net positive charge at physiologic pH (~7.4) most...
- At physiologic pH, basic functional groups will be protonated, attaining a positive charge.
- Aliphatic R groups are saturated hydrocarbons.
- A polypeptide with a net positive charge at physiologic pH most likely has a basic R group.
A polypeptide with a net positive charge at physiologic pH (~7.4) most...
Basic R groups contribute to a net positive charge in polypeptides
Basic R groups in amino acids contain nitrogen atoms that can accept protons, making them positively charged at physiologic pH. This gives the polypeptide an overall positive charge.
Examples of amino acids with basic R groups
- Lysine
- Arginine
- Histidine
Physiological relevance of positive charge
- The net positive charge on a polypeptide can influence its interactions with other molecules, such as nucleic acids or other proteins.
- Positively charged polypeptides may play roles in processes like protein-protein interactions, enzyme activity, and signal transduction in cells.
Verification of charge at physiologic pH
- At a pH of around 7.4, basic amino acids with positively charged R groups will be protonated, contributing to the overall positive charge of the polypeptide.
- In contrast, acidic amino acids with negatively charged R groups would contribute to a net negative charge at this pH.
Conclusion
In summary, amino acids with basic R groups are likely to contribute to a net positive charge in a polypeptide at physiologic pH. Understanding the charge properties of amino acids is essential for predicting the behavior and function of proteins in biological systems.