The dissociation constant for a previously uncharacterized racemic acid discover

Question

The dissociation constant for a previously uncharacterized racemic acid discovered in a meteor have been determined to be pk1=2.0, pk2=3.5, pk3=6.3, pk4=8.0, pk5=9.8, and pk7=10.9.

a. What carboxyl or functional group would you expect to be associated with each dissociation?

ANSWER: pk1-pk3 are carboxyl and the rest are amino groups

b. What would be the approximate net charge on this amino acid at pH 2?

ANSWER- minus 1

c. What would be its approximate net charge at pH 6.3?

ANSWER- plus 0.5

Can someone help explain how to get these answers? I'm really lost on the first question.

Explanation / Answer

Part a) the dissociatio constants are pKa.

The value of pka is less than 7 if it is dissociation of acidic group ( carboxylic group) while it is greater than 7 if it is for basic group (amino group).

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