An Idea to Explore: Visualization of Ionization of Amino Acids Using Mathematica

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Bibliographic Details
Title: An Idea to Explore: Visualization of Ionization of Amino Acids Using Mathematica
Language: English
Authors: Novak, Igor (ORCID 0000-0002-3413-2605)
Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. May-Jun 2021 49(3):333-345.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Biochemistry, Scientific Concepts, Visualization, Probability, Misconceptions, Science Education
DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21470
ISSN: 1470-8175
Abstract: Ionization of amino acids (AA) is very important concept in biochemistry. We integrate the mathematical concept of probability with biochemically relevant process of AA ionization. We visualize the ionization process with Mathematica software discussing intramolecular interactions between weakly acidic/basic functional groups and charge--pH variation of amino acids in water solution. The visualizations rely on the notion of probability of ionization of functional groups and demonstrate how the extent of ionization and charge varies with pH of the solution. The examples described include amino acids and weak diprotic acids and bases. The aim is to help students better appreciate the importance and consequences of AA ionization and correct some misconceptions.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2021
Accession Number: EJ1295151
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Ionization of amino acids (AA) is very important concept in biochemistry. We integrate the mathematical concept of probability with biochemically relevant process of AA ionization. We visualize the ionization process with Mathematica software discussing intramolecular interactions between weakly acidic/basic functional groups and charge--pH variation of amino acids in water solution. The visualizations rely on the notion of probability of ionization of functional groups and demonstrate how the extent of ionization and charge varies with pH of the solution. The examples described include amino acids and weak diprotic acids and bases. The aim is to help students better appreciate the importance and consequences of AA ionization and correct some misconceptions.
ISSN:1470-8175
DOI:10.1002/bmb.21470