Question

1. according to the equation for the ninhydrin reaction with an amino acid (see background section), an aldehyde and co₂ are products. what parts of the amino acid give rise to these products?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall ninhydrin - amino acid reaction

The $\alpha$-amino group and $\alpha$-carboxyl group of the amino - acid react with ninhydrin.

Step2: Identify product - forming parts

The $\alpha$-amino group is involved in the formation of ammonia which further reacts to give a colored product, and the $\alpha$-carboxyl group is decarboxylated to form $CO_2$. The remaining part of the amino - acid forms an aldehyde.

Answer:

The $\alpha$-amino group and $\alpha$-carboxyl group of the amino acid give rise to the products in the ninhydrin - amino acid reaction.