Definition of Zwitterion
1. [n -S]
Medical Definition of Zwitterion
1.
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)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Zwitterion
Other Resources:
Galician