Zwitter Ion: Difference between revisions
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A | A Zwitterion is formed when an [[Amino acid|amino acid]] is at it's [[Isoelectric point|isoelectric point]]. Most Zwitterion's have no net charge and therefore will not migrate in a charged field. This is because they accept a [[Proton|proton]] (H<sup>+</sup>) at their N-terminus and lose a proton at their [[C-terminus|C-terminus]]. However, it is possible for the [[R-group|R-group]] of an amino acid to interact in the same way, which can give the Zwitterion a net charge eg. if the R-group contains a [[Carboxyl_group|carboxyl group]] (COOH) it may also donate the H<sup>+ </sup>from this group, creating a net charge of +1. | ||
Revision as of 22:33, 3 December 2015
A Zwitterion is formed when an amino acid is at it's isoelectric point. Most Zwitterion's have no net charge and therefore will not migrate in a charged field. This is because they accept a proton (H+) at their N-terminus and lose a proton at their C-terminus. However, it is possible for the R-group of an amino acid to interact in the same way, which can give the Zwitterion a net charge eg. if the R-group contains a carboxyl group (COOH) it may also donate the H+ from this group, creating a net charge of +1.