Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · States of matter

States of matter — practice question

Electrophoresis can be used to separate a mixture of amino acids. The diagram shows a typical practical arrangement.
(a)[2]

When the power supply is switched on, some amino acids may stay in the same place instead of moving. Suggest an explanation for this observation.

(b)[1]

The amino acid glycine has the formula $\text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CO}_2\text{H}$. Identify the species present on the filter paper if glycine travels to the left (positive) end of the filter paper.

(c)[3]

A different electrophoresis produced the result below. What deductions can be made about the relative sizes of, and charges on, amino acid species A, B and C?

(d(i))[2]

After such a partial hydrolysis, these tripeptides were obtained from a polypeptide: ala-gly-asp, gly-ala-gly, lys-val-ser, ser-ala-gly, val-ser-ala. If the N-terminal amino acid is lysine (lys), suggest the amino acid sequence of the shortest polypeptide that could produce the tripeptides above.

(d(ii))[1]

Among the tripeptides in (i), which one has the lowest $M_r$?

(d(iii))[1]

Select one amino acid from those listed in the table that has an ionic side-chain at pH $8$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Amino acid is present as zwitterion / neutral

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