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title: "Zwitterion: research glossary | Sable Peptides"
description: "A zwitterion is a molecule carrying both positive and negative charges while having an overall neutral charge. Free amino acids in water exist mainly as zw"
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Glossary

# Zwitterion

A zwitterion is a molecule carrying both positive and negative charges while having an overall neutral charge. Free amino acids in water exist mainly as zwitterions, with a protonated amino group and a deprotonated carboxyl group. Short peptides behave similarly near their isoelectric point, which affects solubility.

Source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zwitterion)

## Related terms

-   [Isoelectric point](/glossary/isoelectric-point)
-   [Solubility](/glossary/solubility)

[Back to glossary A–Z](/glossary/terms)

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