Amino acids
Amino Acids
Amino acids (/əˈmiːnoʊ ˈæsɪdz/) are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. They are essential to life and have a variety of roles in metabolism. The term "amino acid" is short for α-amino carboxylic acid.
Etymology
The term "amino acid" is derived from the Greek word "amine" which means "life" and the Latin word "acidus" which means "sour". The combination of these words reflects the fact that amino acids are the building blocks of life and have a sour taste.
Types of Amino Acids
There are 20 standard amino acids that make up proteins, each with its own specific properties and functions. These include:
- Alanine
- Arginine
- Asparagine
- Aspartic acid
- Cysteine
- Glutamic acid
- Glutamine
- Glycine
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Proline
- Serine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Tyrosine
- Valine
Functions of Amino Acids
Amino acids are crucial for a number of biological functions, including:
- Protein synthesis: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of all living cells.
- Energy production: Some amino acids can be used as a source of energy by the body.
- Immune function: Certain amino acids are necessary for the production of antibodies, which are proteins that help the body fight off infections.
- Neurotransmitter regulation: Amino acids can serve as precursors for neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Amino acids
- Wikipedia's article - Amino acids
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