zwitterion
/ˈzwɪtəriən/Definitions
1. noun
A molecule with both acidic and basic properties, typically having a pKa value close to physiological pH.
“The zwitterion form of the amino acid alanine plays a crucial role in its biochemical reactions.”
2. noun
A type of ion that has both positive and negative charges due to the presence of both acidic and basic groups.
“The zwitterion structure of the molecule was crucial for understanding its role in cellular processes.”