Basics of Amino Acids: Building Blocks of Proteins and their Biological Significance

natural amino acids

L-amino acids, only these occur in proteins

Amino acids are organic compounds containing an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). They are the building blocks of proteins and contribute to various biological processes in the body. There are 20 natural amino acids that are commonly found in proteins. These amino acids can be categorized into three main groups based on the chemical properties of their side chains (also called R-groups). These groups are:

1. Non-polar amino acids: These amino acids have side chains that are hydrophobic, meaning they do not mix with water. Examples of non-polar amino acids include glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, methionine, and phenylalanine.

2. Polar amino acids: These amino acids have side chains that are hydrophilic, meaning they are attracted to water. Examples of polar amino acids include serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine.

3. Charged amino acids: These amino acids have side chains that are either positively charged or negatively charged. Examples of positively charged amino acids include lysine, arginine, and histidine. Examples of negatively charged amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid.

Overall, the 20 natural amino acids play important roles in the structure, function, and regulation of proteins. They are essential for various biochemical processes in the body, and deficiencies in any of these amino acids can lead to serious health problems.

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