At About PH 7 in Most Cells, What Happens to the Carboxyl

question 43

Multiple Choice

At about pH 7 in most cells, what happens to the carboxyl R-group on an amino acid?

• A) It acts as a base and gains a proton, giving it a positive charge.
• B) It acts as an acid and loses a proton, giving it a negative charge.
• C) It is oxidized and tends to act as an electron acceptor in redox reactions.
• D) It remains neutral, like water, and does not have a charge.

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Definitions:

Fission Reaction

A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and, often, neutrons.

U-238

U-238 denotes uranium-238, the most abundant isotope of uranium found in nature, known for its long half-life and use as a starting material in the production of nuclear fuel and atomic weapons.

U-235

An isotope of Uranium with a unique capability for nuclear reactions, particularly used in nuclear reactors and weapons.

Pu-242

A radioactive isotope of plutonium, with a half-life of over 373,000 years, significant in nuclear science and waste management.