Question

What is meant by essential amino acids? Why are amino acids amphoteric in nature?

Hint:

Amino acids are amphoteric because of the presence of both acidic (COOH) and basic (NH$_2$) groups in their structure.

Answer 1

Essential amino acids are indispensable for bodily function, requiring dietary intake as the body cannot produce them. Examples include leucine, valine, and lysine.
Amino acids exhibit amphoteric properties due to the presence of both an amino (-NH$_2$) and a carboxyl (-COOH) group. The amino group functions as a base by accepting protons, while the carboxyl group acts as an acid by donating protons. This characteristic enables amino acids to behave as both acids and bases, contingent upon the surrounding pH.