Question

for each of the amino acids listed below, identify whether you which of the following categories it would fall into, under normal physiological conditions (i.e. ph 7): polar, non - polar, basic or acidic. note that all of the amino acids are shown in their uncharged forms.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze first amino - acid structure

The first amino - acid has a non - polar side chain (isopropyl group). Non - polar side chains are usually composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms only. So it is non - polar.

Step2: Analyze second amino - acid structure

The second amino - acid has a polar side chain with a hydroxyl group on the aromatic ring. The presence of the electronegative oxygen in the hydroxyl group makes it polar.

Step3: Analyze third amino - acid structure

The third amino - acid has a side chain with a carboxyl group ($-COOH$). Carboxyl groups can donate a proton in solution, making the amino - acid acidic under physiological conditions.

Step4: Analyze fourth amino - acid structure

Assuming it has a similar analysis as the second one with a polar group on the side chain, it is polar.

Answer:

1. Non - Polar
2. Polar
3. Acidic
4. Polar