Are Amino Acids Negative? Understanding Their Charge, Zwitterions, and pH
                                
                                
                                •
                                
                                
                        
                                    
                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but whether they carry a negative charge depends entirely on their chemical structure and the pH of their surroundings. While most amino acids exist as electrically neutral zwitterions, specific side chains can impart a distinct positive or negative charge.