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AAT Bioquest

Are amphoteric species zwitterionic?

Posted July 16, 2024


Answer

Yes, amphoteric species are zwitterionic. The term zwitterionic is derived from zwitterions, which are dipolar molecules. They have two functional groups - one having a positive charge and the other having a negative charge. Each zwitterion is capable of behaving both as an acid and as a base, depending on the solution it is put into. 

Amphoteric species are species that have the potential to behave both as an acid and as a base, which means they are zwitterionic. 

Additional resources

Novel zwitterionic vectors: Multi-functional delivery systems for therapeutic genes and drugs