Abstract
Ionization of amino acids (AA) is very important concept in biochemistry. We
integrate the mathematical concept of probability with biochemically relevant
process of AA ionization. We visualize the ionization process with Mathematica
software discussing intramolecular interactions between weakly acidic/basic functional
groups and charge–pH variation of amino acids in water solution. The visualizations
rely on the notion of probability of ionization of functional groups and
demonstrate how the extent of ionization and charge varies with pH of the solution.
The examples described include amino acids and weak diprotic acids and
bases. The aim is to help students better appreciate the importance and consequences
of AA ionization and correct some misconceptions.
integrate the mathematical concept of probability with biochemically relevant
process of AA ionization. We visualize the ionization process with Mathematica
software discussing intramolecular interactions between weakly acidic/basic functional
groups and charge–pH variation of amino acids in water solution. The visualizations
rely on the notion of probability of ionization of functional groups and
demonstrate how the extent of ionization and charge varies with pH of the solution.
The examples described include amino acids and weak diprotic acids and
bases. The aim is to help students better appreciate the importance and consequences
of AA ionization and correct some misconceptions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 333-345 |
| Journal | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2021 |