AbstractThe results of studying the hydrodynamic properties, complexation ability and catalytic activity of some synthetic polyampholytes are presented. Much attention has been paid to studying the hydrodynamic and conformational characteristics of amphoteric polyelectrolytes at their isoelectric point (i.e.p.). Specific binding of low molecular weight ions by polyampholytes and complexation of polyampholytes with protein, anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes, surfactants, dyes and metal ions are discussed.