Biochemistry Term: Amino acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the fundamental building blocks of proteins. They contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
Amino acids are crucial to life processes, as proteins are involved in various cellular functions, including structural support, enzymatic catalysis, signaling, and transportation of molecules.
Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom (the alpha carbon) bonded to a hydrogen atom, an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and a variable side chain, often referred to as the 'R group.' The R group distinguishes one amino acid from another and determines its specific properties.
There are 20 standard amino acids that cells use to synthesize proteins. The sequence of these amino acids in a polypeptide chain is dictated by the genetic information encoded in DNA. During protein synthesis, amino acids are linked together through peptide bonds, forming a linear chain called a polypeptide. This chain then folds into a three-dimensional structure, ultimately creating a functional protein.
Amino acids can be classified based on the properties of their side chains into non-polar (hydrophobic), polar (hydrophilic), and charged. The unique combination and sequence of amino acids in a protein are critical for its structure and function.
Any changes or mutations in the amino acid sequence can lead to alterations in protein structure and function, potentially impacting the biological processes they participate in.
