Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Biomolecules

Question:

What kind of behavior is shown in the Zwitter ionic form of amino acids?

Options:

Di-polar behaviour

Amphoteric behaviour

Intermolecular H-bonding

Peptide behavior

Correct Answer:

Amphoteric behaviour

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Amphoteric behaviour

Amino acids are water-soluble, high melting solids and behave like salts rather than simple amines or carboxylic acids. This behavior is due to the presence of both acidic (carboxyl group) and basic (amino group) groups in the same molecule. In aqueous solution, the carboxyl group can lose a proton and amino group can accept a proton, giving rise to a dipolar ion known as zwitter ion. This is neutral but contains both positive and negative charges. In zwitter ionic form, amino acids show amphoteric behaviour as they react both with acids and bases.