Abstract
Polyampholytes (PAs) are composed of (quenched) random sequences of positive and negatively charged monomers. We show that the radius of gyration of a PA strongly depends on its charge Q, and is very weakly influenced by other aspects of the sequence. For Q < Qc ≈ q0 √N, where N is the number of monomers of charge ± q0, the PA is compact, while for Q > Qc it is stretched. We explain this transition by analogy with the shape instability charged drops (where the Rayleigh charge plays the role of Qc), and suggest a “necklace” model for the shapes of highly charged PAs.
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