Question

c. Explain about the solubility of and amino acid when subjected to an acidic media and basic media. Indicate the compound which would be at the isoelectric point. (Draw a diagram to help explain). (3 marks) Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, acidic amino acids when placed in a basic media get deprotonated and also get dissolved. Similarly, basic amino acids when placed in acidic media, get deprotonated and also dissolved. Isoelectric point is the pH at which ionized and nonionized are in equal concentration d. Explain what protein denaturation is and list the methods that it could take place. (3 marks) When the interaction of residues that stabilize tertiary or quaternary structures are disrupted, the shape of the protein is destroyed rendering it biologically inactive; that condition is termed by protein denaturation. Changes in temperature (heating it over 50 "C) and pH (making it more acidic or basic), adding certain organic compounds or heavy metal ions or adding mechanical agitation, lead to the protein denaturation 3. a. Explain what an enzyme is. (3 marks) An enzyme is a catalyst that increases the rate at which most biological reactions that take place outside the cells of our bodies occur.

C. Explain about solubility of an amino acid when subjected to an acidic media and basic media. Indicate the compound which would be at the isoelectric point. (Draw a diagram to help explain)