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Explain why the nitrogen in the histidine ring is a weaker base than the α-amino group

User Rosaly
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Final answer:

The nitrogen in the histidine ring is a weaker base than the α-amino group due to the difference in pKa values.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nitrogen in the histidine ring is a weaker base than the α-amino group because of the difference in the pKa values. The α-amino group has a pKa value around 9, while the amine group in the histidine side chain has a pKa value of 6.04. A lower pKa value indicates a stronger acid or weaker base. The difference in pKa values suggests that the α-amino group is more likely to accept a proton and act as a base compared to the amine group in the histidine ring.

User Microos
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