Zwitterions
Zwitterions
Formula
⁺H₃N−CHR−COO⁻
Real World
Electrophoresis gels used in forensic labs like those at the UK Forensic Science Service separate proteins by exploiting the fact that amino acids carry no net charge at their isoelectric point.
Exam Focus
Draw all three forms (low pH, isoelectric point, high pH) — examiners expect correct charges on both the amino and carboxyl groups.
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