Nature of amino acids (acidic or basic) is decided based on the number of

Options

A. `-COOH` groups
B. `-NH_(2)` groups
C. Both (1) and (2)
D. None of the above

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Amino Acids**: Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid has a central carbon atom (C) bonded to four different groups: a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), an amino group (-NH2), a hydrogen atom (H), and a variable R group (side chain).

2. **Identifying Functional Groups**: The nature of an amino acid (whether it is acidic or basic) is determined by the functional groups present in its structure. The two main functional groups to consider are:
- Carboxylic acid group (-COOH), which imparts acidic properties.
- Amino group (-NH2), which imparts basic properties.

3. **Determining Acidic or Basic Nature**:
- If the R group contains one or more carboxylic acid groups, the amino acid is considered **acidic**. This is because the presence of additional carboxylic acid groups increases the overall acidity.
- Conversely, if the R group contains one or more amino groups, the amino acid is considered **basic**. This is because the presence of additional amino groups increases the overall basicity.

4. **Examples**:
- **Glutamic Acid**: The structure of glutamic acid includes two carboxylic acid groups and one amino group. Therefore, it is classified as an acidic amino acid.
- **Lysine**: The structure of lysine includes one carboxylic acid group and two amino groups. Therefore, it is classified as a basic amino acid.

5. **Conclusion**: The nature of an amino acid (acidic or basic) is determined by comparing the number of carboxylic acid groups to the number of amino groups. If carboxylic acid groups outnumber amino groups, the amino acid is acidic; if amino groups outnumber carboxylic acid groups, it is basic.

### Final Answer:
The nature of amino acids (acidic or basic) is decided based on the number of carboxylic acid groups and amino groups present in the structure.

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