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COMEDK · Chemistry · 30. Biomolecules

Imagine a pentapeptide molecule having a total of one \(-\text{SH}\), \(-\text{CONH}_2\), \(-\text{NH}_2\) group each and two \(-\text{COOH}\) groups. If the pH is maintained at 13.2, what would be the total number of negative charges on the pentapeptide?

  1. A 3
  2. B 2
  3. C 5
  4. D 4
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(A) 3

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

At pH 13.2, groups with \(pK_a < 13.2\) will be deprotonated. Two \(-COOH\) groups (\(pK_a \approx 2-4\)): both deprotonated \(\to\) \(2 \times (-1) = -2\) charges One \(-SH\) group (\(pK_a \approx 8.3\)): deprotonated to \(-S^-\) \(\to\) \(-1\) charge One \(-NH_2\) group…