In: Biology
The glutamate side chain has a pKa of 4.4. Calculate the percentage of Glu that is unprotonated at a pH of 4.7.
Henderson-Hasselbalch equation can be used to find the percentage of unprotonated Glu at pH 4.7
pH = pK + log [A-] / [HA]
Given in the question, pH = 4.7 and pKa = 4.4
Therefore, substituting these values in Henderson Hasselbalch equation,
log [A-] / [HA] = pH - pKa
[A-] / [HA] = 10(pH-pKa) = 10(4.7 - 4.4)
[A-] / [HA] = 100.3 = 1.9952
Percentage of [A-] =
=
= 0.6661 x 100 = 66.61%
Therefore, about 66.61% Glu is unprotonated at pH 4.7