Use the diagram of the molecular structure of an amino acid to answer the question. 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 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 methyl functional group. In a solution, the amino group can increase acidity, while the methyl 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. 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 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.

Answer 1

The correct option that explains why an amino acid can act as both an acid and a base 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."

In this context, the amino group (-NH2) acts as a base by accepting protons (H+), thus decreasing acidity, while the carboxyl group (-COOH) can donate protons, thereby increasing acidity.