Question

Amino acids may be acidic, alkaline or neutral. How does this happen? What are essential and non-essential amino acids? Name one of each type.

Answer 1

This is due to presence of carboxylic acid as well as amino groups.

* Amino acids which contain two group and one —NH₂ group are called acidic amino acid, e.g., aspartic acid.

* Amino acids which contain two —NH₂ group and one group are called basic amino acids, e.g., lysine.

* Amino acids which contain one and one —NH₂ group are called neutral amino acids, e.g., glycine.

* Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be supplied in the diet are called essential amino acids, e.g., lysine, valine, leucine, etc.
* The amino acids which are synthesized by our body are called non-essential amino acids, e.g., alanine, glycine, etc.