Which of the following structures illustrates how an amino acid reacts in a low pH solution?
E)All of these reactions occur to the same extent in a solution with a pH less than 7 .

Question

Which of the following structures illustrates how an amino acid reacts in a low pH solution? 
E)All of these reactions occur to the same extent in a solution with a pH less than 7 .

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option B shows the amino acid in a low pH solution where the amino group (-NH2) is protonated and becomes NH3+. This results in the overall charge of the amino acid becoming positive, making it polar and water-soluble. This is called the protonated form of the amino acid. The other options do not show this protonation of the amino group and therefore do not represent an amino acid in a low pH solution. Option E is incorrect because the other options do not represent the same reaction occurring to the same extent.

Which of the Following Structures Illustrates How an Amino Acid