Question

Which one of the following compounds can exists in Zwitter ionic form?

• A. Amino acid
• B. Fat
• C. Carbohydrate
• D. Alcohol

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Amino acid

Answer 2

Amino acids contain amino $(?NH_2)$ and carboxyl $(?COOH)$ as functional groups. In aqueous solution, the carboxyl group can lose a proton and amino group can accept a proton, giving rise to a dipolar ion known as Zwitter ion. This is neutral but contains both negative and positive charges.