| zwitterion | <chemistry> A zwitterion is a dipolar ion that is capable of carrying both a positive and negative charge simultaneously. The best example of this are amino acids which have a basic NH2 group and an acidic COOH group. What usually happens is that the H from the COOH group (carboxylic acid end) migrates to the NH2 group and this causes what is known as a dipolemoment. Synonym: ampholyte ions, dipolar ions. (11 May 1997) |
|---|---|
| zwitterionic | Denoting a substance with the properties of a zwitterion; e.g., at pH value of 6.11, alanine is zwitterionic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zwitterionic buffer | Buffer whose structure can include opposite charges. Synonym: dipolar buffer. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zwitterionic detergent | Detergents that are zwitterionic; often used as surfactants and in the release of proteins from biomembranes. Synonym: zwitterionic detergent. Origin: zwitterion + detergent (05 Mar 2000) |
| zwitterionic surfactant | A dipolar surfactant. (05 Mar 2000) |
| zwitterions | Synonym: dipolar ions. See: zwitter hypothesis. Origin: Ger. Zwitter, hermaphrodite, mongrel + ion (05 Mar 2000) |