zwitterionin
A zwitterion is a molecule that contains both a positive and a negative electrical charge. The term "zwitterion" is derived from the German words "zwitter," meaning "hybrid," and "ion," referring to an electrically charged particle. This type of molecule is often found in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
The zwitterionic nature of amino acids arises from the presence of both an amino group (NH2) and
The zwitterionic form is the most stable state of amino acids in neutral or slightly alkaline solutions.
Zwitterions are significant in biological systems, as they play crucial roles in various biochemical processes, including