polyion
A polyion is a macromolecule that carries multiple ionic charges along its structure. In solution, these repeating charged units give rise to polyelectrolyte behavior, making polyions highly responsive to changes in pH, ionic strength, and solvent quality. Polyions are typically classified as polyanions (negatively charged) or polycations (positively charged), depending on the sign of their ionizable groups.
The most common examples of polyions include biological polymers such as DNA, which is a polyanion, and
Characterization of polyions involves determining charge density, molecular weight, and conformational behavior. Techniques include acid–base titration,