The zwitter ion formed in an aqueous solution of glycine is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Neutral
In aqueous solution glycine exists as a zwitter ion:
\( \displaystyle \ce{H2N-CH2-COOH <=> H3N^+-CH2-COO^-} \)
Glycine has one amino group and one carboxyl group, so its zwitter ion carries one positive and one negative charge and is neutral as a whole.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) Acidic — Incorrect. An amino acid is acidic only when it has more carboxyl than amino groups, as aspartic acid and glutamic acid do.
Option (3) Basic — Incorrect. An amino acid is basic when it has more amino than carboxyl groups, as lysine does.
Option (4) Asymmetric — Incorrect. In glycine the side chain R is H, so its α-carbon carries two hydrogen atoms and is not asymmetric; glycine is the one natural α-amino acid that is optically inactive.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Classification of Amino Acids – …
