Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An amphiprotic substance is one that can both donate and accept a proton (H+ ion) in a chemical reaction. In the context of amino acids, this property is crucial for their ability to act as buffers in biological systems.
The building blocks of proteins, characterized by having both an amine group (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), which contribute to their amphiprotic nature.
A solution that resists changes in pH when acids or bases are added to it, often containing substances like amino acids that have amphiprotic properties.
A molecule with both positive and negative charges but is overall electrically neutral; amino acids in certain pH conditions exist as zwitterions due to their amphiprotic characteristics.