pI and pH

[Carbohydrates]

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Would you guys help me with this question?
In what direction will an amino acid with a neutral side chain move during electrophoresis at pH 4
a. if the pI of the amino acid is 7?
b. if the pI of the amino acid is 3?
c. if the pI of the amino acid is 4?

Thanks. 🙂

 

[510586]

a) Amino acid is in a more acidic solution than its pI, so it gets protonated and + charge, so it goes towards the negative cathode.
b) Amino acid in a more basic solution so it is deprotonated (- charge) and goes towards the positive anode.
c) no movement

 

[Jay20155555]

can you categorize electrophoresis as a voltaic cell? Since the cathode is neg and the anode is positive?

 

[510586]

can you categorize electrophoresis as a voltaic cell? Since the cathode is neg and the anode is positive?

Not sure. Voltaic cells have salt bridges which usually isn't mentioned in electrophoresis. Also a wire.

 

[Jay20155555]

sorry didnt mean voltaic but electrolytic