Which statement is true concerning a protein at its isoelectric point?

A protein at its isoelectric point is characterized by having a net zero charge. This is the pH at which the number of positively charged amino acids equals the number of negatively charged amino acids, leading to an overall neutral charge. At this point, the protein does not migrate in an electric field, as there is no net charge to drive its movement towards either electrode.

This condition also typically affects the solubility of the protein; many proteins are less soluble at their isoelectric point due to reduced electrostatic repulsion between molecules that can lead to aggregation. Therefore, while the protein is neutral, it may not demonstrate increased solubility; in fact, increased solubility is often observed at pH levels away from the isoelectric point.

Understanding the isoelectric point is crucial in various applications, including protein purification and analysis, as it provides insight into the behavior of proteins under different pH conditions.