

Their pKa's are high enough that they tend to bind protons, gaining a positive charge in the process. Their side chains contain nitrogen and resemble ammonia, which is a base. These are arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys), and histidine (His). There are three amino acids that have basic side chains at neutral pH.

For an example of a hydrophobic substance, look no further than HZO technology. Something defined as hydrophilic is actually attracted to water, while something that is hydrophobic resists water. You can tell if a protein is hydrophobic or hydrophilic by examining the side chains of amino acids in its sequence. How do you know if a protein is hydrophobic or hydrophilic? The hydrophilic amino acids interact more strongly with water (which is polar) than do the hydrophobic amino acids. Some amino acids have polar (hydrophilic) side chains while others have non-polar (hydrophobic) side chains. What is meant by a hydrophilic amino acid?

