polyelectrolyte

A polyelectrolyte is a substance with a high molecular weight that also acts as an electrolyte. Electrolytes are compounds that conduct electricity when dissolved in a solvent, typically water, because they dissociate into ions. Many large molecules found in biological systems, such as proteins, can be polyelectrolytes because they possess multiple positive and negative charges. The three-dimensional structure, or conformation, of these charged molecules is significantly influenced by the ionic strength of the surrounding medium. This conformational change can affect their physiological function, making the study of electrolyte solutions important in fields like molecular biology and medicine.12