MHTCET 10 May 2024 Shift 2 Paper

Concept:Acidic amino acids contain an extra carboxyl group ($-\mathrm{COOH}$) in their side chain, which can release $\mathrm{H}^+$ ions and become negatively charged.Explanation:Amino acids are classified based on the nature of their side chain (R-group).An acidic amino acid has a carboxyl group in its side chain that ionises at physiological pH, giving it a negative charge.$\mathrm{Arg}$ (Arginine) is a basic amino acid because its side chain contains a guanidinium group.$\mathrm{Asp}$ (Aspartic acid) has an extra carboxyl group ($-\mathrm{COOH}$) in its side chain, making it acidic.$\mathrm{Asn}$ (Asparagine) has an amide group ($-\mathrm{CONH}_2$) in its side chain, so it is a neutral amino acid.$\mathrm{Ala}$ (Alanine) has a methyl group ($-\mathrm{CH}_3$) in its side chain, making it neutral and non-polar.Hence, among the given options, aspartic acid is the acidic amino acid.Answer:$\mathrm{Asp}$ (Aspartic acid), which is option B.