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BIO NMDCAT Proteins
nmdcat.online June 29, 2026

A zwitterion is the dipolar ionic form of an amino acid that exists at a specific pH. In this state, the amino acid possesses

A. A net positive charge due to protonation of the amino group
B. A net negative charge due to deprotonation of the carboxyl group
C. Both a positive charge on the amino group and a negative charge on the carboxyl group, resulting in a net charge of zero
✓
D. No ionizable groups, making it neutral and non-polar

📝 Explanation

At the isoelectric point (pI), the amino group is protonated (-NH₃⁺) and the carboxyl group is deprotonated (-COO⁻). The molecule carries equal positive and negative charges, making it electrically neutral overall, termed a zwitterion.

📖 Additional Information

  • A net positive charge due to protonation of the amino group
  • A net negative charge due to deprotonation of the carboxyl group
  • Both a positive charge on the amino group and a negative charge on the carboxyl group, resulting in a net charge of zero
  • No ionizable groups, making it neutral and non-polar

At the isoelectric point (pI), the amino group is protonated (-NH₃⁺) and the carboxyl group is deprotonated (-COO⁻). The molecule carries equal positive and negative charges, making it electrically neutral overall, termed a zwitterion.

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