Use the diagram of the molecular structure of an amino acid to answer the question.

An illustration shows the structure of amino acid as C single bond C with functional groups NH2 and R attached to the first C atom and double bond O and single bond OH attached to the second C atom.

Which option explains why this amino acid can act as both an acid and a base?

(1 point)
Responses

It contains both an amino functional group and a carboxyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can decrease acidity, while the carboxyl group can increase acidity.
It contains both an amino functional group and a carboxyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can decrease acidity, while the carboxyl group can increase acidity.

It contains both an amino functional group and a methyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can decrease acidity, while the methyl group can increase acidity.
It contains both an amino functional group and a methyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can decrease acidity, while the methyl group can increase acidity.

It contains both an amino functional group and a carboxyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can increase acidity, while the carboxyl group can decrease acidity.
It contains both an amino functional group and a carboxyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can increase acidity, while the carboxyl group can decrease acidity.

It contains both an amino functional group and a methyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can increase acidity, while the methyl group can decrease acidity.

1 answer

The correct option is:

It contains both an amino functional group and a carboxyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can decrease acidity, while the carboxyl group can increase acidity.

This is because the amino group (–NH2) can accept a proton (H+) and act as a base, while the carboxyl group (–COOH) can donate a proton and act as an acid. Therefore, the presence of both functional groups allows the amino acid to function as both an acid and a base.