**Core Concept**
At physiological pH (approximately 7.4), amino acids can be separated based on their charge, with those having a higher number of positive charges migrating faster towards the anode. This is due to the fact that positively charged particles are attracted to the negatively charged electrode.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The migration of amino acids in an electric field is influenced by their net charge at a given pH. Amino acids with a higher number of amino groups (-NH2) will have a higher pKa value, resulting in a higher proportion of positively charged species at physiological pH. Among the given options, the amino acid with the lowest number of amino groups will have the lowest net positive charge, leading to slower migration towards the anode.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This amino acid has two amino groups, resulting in a higher net positive charge and faster migration to the anode.
* **Option B:** This amino acid also has two amino groups, leading to a similar effect as Option A and faster migration.
* **Option D:** This amino acid has three amino groups, resulting in an even higher net positive charge and the fastest migration to the anode.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Amino acids can be separated based on their charge using techniques like ion exchange chromatography, which is commonly used in biochemical assays. Understanding the charge properties of amino acids is essential in biochemistry and related medical fields.
**Correct Answer: C. This amino acid has the lowest number of amino groups, resulting in the lowest net positive charge and slowest migration to the anode.**
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