| ions | Atoms or radicals having a charge of positive (cation) or negative (anion) electricity owing to the loss (positive) or gain (negative) of one or more electrons. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| dipolar ions | Ion's possessing both a negative charge and a positive charge, each localised at a different point in the molecule, which thus has both positive and negative "poles"; amino acids are the most notable dipolar ion's, containing a positively charged NH3+ group and a negatively charged COO- group at neutral pH. Synonym: amphions, zwitterions. (05 Mar 2000) |
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