This text reviews the synthesis, characterization and application aspects of linear and crosslinked synthetic polyampholytes - a simple model of biopolymers - starting from the 1950's. The synthetic strategy of "annealed", "quenched" and "zwitterionic" polyampholytes, and the properties of polyampholytes in solutions and in gel state are considered. metal ions, ionic surfactants, dyes and organic probes polyelectrolytes, proteins and colloid particles is discussed. Stimuli-sensitive behavior of various amphoteric gel and membrane systems demonstrating rhythmically phenomenon similar to that of heart beat, deformation, oscillation or self-oscillation phenomena stimulated by temperature, pH and electric field are illustrated. Catalytic properties of synthetic polyampholytes simulating the function of enzymes are also considered.