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Non-Ionizable Vs. Ionizable R-Groups definitions

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  • Amino Acid
    Building block of proteins, each with a unique R group that determines its chemical properties and behavior in biological systems.
  • R Group
    Side chain attached to the central carbon of an amino acid, responsible for its distinct chemical characteristics.
  • Non-Ionizable R Group
    Side chain that remains uncharged due to lack of acid-base reactions, resulting in only two pKa values for the amino acid.
  • Ionizable R Group
    Side chain capable of gaining or losing charge through acid-base reactions, contributing a third pKa value to the amino acid.
  • pKa
    Value indicating the pH at which a group can donate or accept a proton, crucial for understanding ionization states.
  • Ionic Bond
    Electrostatic interaction formed between charged groups, important for protein structure and function.
  • Arginine
    Amino acid with a positively charged ionizable R group at physiological pH, often involved in basic interactions.
  • Histidine
    Amino acid with an ionizable R group that can be positively charged at physiological pH, playing a role in enzyme activity.
  • Lysine
    Amino acid with a basic, positively charged ionizable R group at physiological pH, contributing to protein charge.
  • Aspartate
    Amino acid with a negatively charged ionizable R group at physiological pH, classified as acidic.
  • Glutamate
    Amino acid with a negatively charged ionizable R group at physiological pH, important for acidic interactions.
  • Cysteine
    Amino acid with a sulfhydryl-containing ionizable R group, uncharged at pH 7 but gains negative charge above pH 8.3.
  • Tyrosine
    Amino acid with a phenolic ionizable R group, uncharged at pH 7 but gains negative charge above pH 10.1.
  • Physiological pH
    Typical pH of biological systems, around 7, used as a reference for amino acid charge states.
  • Acid-Base Reaction
    Chemical process involving proton transfer, essential for ionization of certain amino acid side chains.