Isoelectric Point (pI) Calculator

Determine the isoelectric point (pI) of a peptide or protein sequence by calculating net electrical charge across pH 1-14.

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Input Parameters

Enter details for calculation.

Valid residues: A, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, Y

Isoelectric Point (pI)

5.45 pH

Net Charge at pH 7.40

-1.15
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Expert Tip

At its isoelectric point, a protein carries no net charge, which significantly reduces its electrostatic repulsion and solubility, often leading to precipitation.

Calculation Methodology & Details

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Formula

Sum of charges = N-term⁺ + Lys⁺ + Arg⁺ + His⁺ - C-term⁻ - Asp⁻ - Glu⁻ - Cys⁻ - Tyr⁻ = 0

The pKa values used: N-term: 9.6, C-term: 2.34, K: 10.5, R: 12.4, H: 6.0, D: 3.9, E: 4.2, C: 8.3, Y: 10.1. A bisection algorithm solves for net charge = 0.

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Important Disclaimer

The calculations provided are for educational and general planning guidelines only. They do not replace professional laboratory or environmental analysis or certified scientific advice.

How pI is Calculated

Steps to solve for the peptide isoelectric point:

1

Count Residues

The peptide sequence is scanned to count ionizable amino acids.

2

Calculate Charges

At any pH, acidic groups carry a negative charge and basic groups carry a positive charge.

3

Iterate pH levels

The bisection algorithm searches from pH 1 to 14 to locate the exact zero-charge transition.

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