Zwitterion - Definition, Properties, Structure and Applications

“A zwitterion is a molecule that has both positive and negative regions of charge.” In the solid state, amino acids exist as dipolar ions called zwitterions. While discussing whether a substance is zwitterionic or not, the pH range in which the information is required must be specified (because a sufficiently alkaline solution will change the zwitterion to an anion, and a sufficiently acid solution will change it to a cation).

They can be formed from compounds like ampholytes which contain both acid and base groups in their molecules.

In this type of ions, the charged atoms are usually held together by one or more covalent bonds.

Zwitterionic compounds have stable, separated unit electrical charges on atoms.

These compounds contain quaternary ammonium cations.

Applications of Zwitterions

Zwitterions are widely applied in the process of separating protein molecules via SDS PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) method which is one of the most popular techniques used in molecular biology.

Zwitterion Structure

Amino acids are the most common example of zwitterions. They are made up of an ammonium or amino group which contains a positive charge as well as a carboxyl group which contains a negative charge. The zwitterion form of an amino acid is given below.

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Clinical & medical biochemistry | open access                    
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