When placed in water, an amino acid will:
* Ionize: The carboxyl group will lose a proton (H+), becoming negatively charged (COO-), while the amino group will gain a proton, becoming positively charged (NH3+). This is because the carboxyl group is acidic and the amino group is basic.
* Behave as a zwitterion: A zwitterion is a molecule that has both a positive and negative charge. Because of its dual charges, the amino acid will be able to interact with both polar and non-polar molecules in water.
* Form hydrogen bonds: The charged groups on the amino acid will be able to form hydrogen bonds with the water molecules, making it soluble.
Overall, an amino acid placed in water will act as a zwitterion, being soluble and able to interact with both polar and non-polar environments.
