Zwitterion

Zwitterion is a molecule that contains an equal number of positively and negatively charged functional groups. The term "zwitterion" is derived from the German word "Zwitter", which means "hybrid". Zwitterions are also known as "inner salts" or "ampholytes". They are typically neutral, but can act as either an acid or a base.

Structure and Properties

Zwitterions have a unique structure that allows them to carry both a positive and a negative charge. This is due to the presence of acidic (proton-donating) and basic (proton-accepting) functional groups within the same molecule. The most common example of a zwitterion is an amino acid. In an aqueous solution, amino acids exist primarily as zwitterions.

Zwitterions have several important properties. They have high melting points and boiling points due to the strong ionic interactions between the molecules. They are also highly soluble in water and other polar solvents, but insoluble in nonpolar solvents.

Biological Importance

Zwitterions play a crucial role in biological systems. They are involved in many biological processes, including protein synthesis, enzyme activity, and cell signaling. The zwitterionic form of amino acids is particularly important for protein structure and function.

See Also

• Amino acid
• Protein structure
• Enzyme activity
• Cell signaling

References

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