Question

How do you define amino acid

Answer 1

An amino acid is a type of organic acid that contains an acid functional group and an amine functional group on adjacent carbon atoms. They are considered to be the building blocks of proteins.

Answer 2

Answer :-

In general terms, Amino acids can be defined as the organic compounds which act as the building blocks of Proteins.

Extra Information :-

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• About 300 different types of Amino acids occur in nature.

• Although 300 different types of Amino acids are found, only 20 types of Amino acids out of 300 enter into the composition of proteins.

• Each Amino acid contains a centrally located Carbon (C) atom called "alpha-Carbon" to which four groups are attached : A basic amino group, an acidic Carboxyl group, a Hydrogen atom and a group of varying chemical structures called the "R - Group".

• Amino acids can be present in both, Symmetrical and Asymmetrical forms.

• Symmetrical amino acids are termed as "Achiral" amino acids.

• Asymmetrical amino acids are termed as "Chiral" amino acids.

• "Glycine" is the simplest of all amino acids.

• "Glycine" has the lowest molecular weight and no Chiral (asymmetrical) carbon atoms.

• "Glycine" is involved in the production of "Heme".

• "Tryptophan" is the most complex amino acid.

• "Tryptophan" consists of "Indole" rings.

• "Proline" is an amino acid which has an unusual Cyclic structure.

• "Proline" does not consist of free Amino and Carboxyl groups.