Amino acids behave like salts rather than simple amines or carboxylic acids. Explain.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Structure of Amino Acids:**
- Amino acids have a general structure that includes an amino group (-NH2), a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), and a variable R group (side chain) that determines the specific properties of each amino acid.

2. **Acidic and Basic Properties:**
- The carboxylic acid group (-COOH) can donate a proton (H+), which gives it acidic properties. When it loses a proton, it forms a negatively charged carboxylate ion (RCOO⁻).
- The amino group (-NH2) has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, allowing it to accept a proton (H+). When it accepts a proton, it becomes positively charged (NH3⁺).
...