Zwitterions

Zwitterions are molecules that carry both positive and negative charges simultaneously, but overall they remain electrically neutral. This typically occurs in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. In a zwitterion form, the amino acid has a positively charged amino group and a negatively charged carboxyl group, which balance each other out. This dual charge makes zwitterions unique, as they can interact differently with other molecules and solvents, influencing properties like solubility and stability. Zwitterions are common in biological systems, helping amino acids and proteins function properly in their environments.