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The pKa, or acid dissociation constant, of an amino acid is strongly tied to the properties of the surrounding solvent. The hydrophobic core of a protein is a distinctly different environment than the water exposed surface of the protein and the pKa in the core is different than the normal, solvent exposed pKa. This is related to the dielectric constant, or the ease at which charge is "felt" over a distance, which is much lower in the hydrophobic core of the protein. In addition, the now fixed locations of other possibly charged amino acids nearby will also impact the pKa of the residue.

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15y ago
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6mo ago

Histidine has an imidazole ring that can exist in a neutral (protonated) or charged (deprotonated) state. In a hydrophobic environment, the imidazole ring is more likely to be in its charged state due to decreased solvation of the protonated form, leading to an increase in the pKa of histidine.

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Q: Why does a hydrophobic environment increase the pKa of Histidine?
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Related questions

What amino acid would work best as a buffer close to physiological pH?

Histidine is a good amino acid to use as a buffer close to physiological pH (around 7.4) because it has a pKa near this pH value, allowing it to act as a good buffer in biological systems. At its pKa, histidine can accept or donate a proton, helping to maintain a stable pH.


Why histidine is often found at the active-site of enzyme?

Histidine can act as a versatile amino acid in enzyme active sites because of its ability to donate and accept protons over a wide pH range. This allows histidine to participate in various catalytic mechanisms, making it a common residue in enzyme active sites. Additionally, the imidazole side chain of histidine can form hydrogen bonds and coordinate with metal ions, further enhancing its role in enzyme catalysis.


What is the pka of diisopropylamine?

The pKa of diisopropylamine is around 10-11.


What is the pka of bromoacetic acid?

The pKa of bromoacetic acid is approximately 2.64.


What is the pka value of Doxofylline?

The pKa value of Doxofylline is approximately 4.22.


Why histidine present frequently in an active site of enzyme?

Histidine is commonly found in enzyme active sites because of its ability to act as a versatile proton donor or acceptor. Its imidazole ring can participate in acid-base catalysis, stabilize charge buildup, or help coordinate metal ions in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. This versatility makes histidine a valuable component in enzyme active sites for facilitating various biochemical reactions efficiently.


What is the pKa of drotaverine?

The pKa of drotaverine is around 8.67.


What is the pKa of Triethylamine?

The pKa of Triethylamine is approximately 10.75.


What is the pKa of ethanol?

The pKa of ethanol is approximately 16.


How do you calculate pka?

To calculate pKa, you can use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: pKa = pH + log([A−]/[HA]), where [A−] is the concentration of the conjugate base and [HA] is the concentration of the acid. Alternatively, you can look up the pKa value in a table or use a chemical database.


How can you calculate pka valve if pH is given?

You can calculate the pKa value by using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA]), where [A-] is the concentration of the conjugate base and [HA] is the concentration of the acid. Rearranging the equation, you can solve for pKa by taking the antilog of both sides after isolating pKa.


Does pka changes with temperature?

pKa (dissociation constant) is variable with temperature.