How Do the PK_a values of an Ionizable Side Chain

question 23

Multiple Choice

How do the pK_a values of an ionizable side chain compare when the amino acid is free versus when it is in a polypeptide chain?

• A) The pK_a of the side chain is independent of whether the amino acid is in a polypeptide chain or is free.
• B) The pK_a of the side chain is always lower for the free amino acid.
• C) The pK_a of the side chain may be lower or higher in a polypeptide chain due to weaker inductive effects and differences in their microenvironments.
• D) The pK_a of the side chain is usually higher in a polypeptide chain due to stabilization from nearby residues in the three-dimensional structure.

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