Learning Outcomes
i. Define amino acids and explain their role in proteins.
ii. Identify the 20 different amino acids and their chemical structures.
iii. Describe the different properties of amino acids.
iv. Explain how amino acids are synthesized and broken down.
i. What are amino acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are essential for life and are involved in almost every biological process. Amino acids are organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. There are 20 different amino acids that are found in proteins.
ii. Structure of amino acids
All amino acids have a similar structure. They all have a central carbon atom attached to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a side chain (R). The side chain is different for each amino acid and gives each amino acid its unique properties.
iii. Essential and nonessential amino acids
The human body can synthesize some amino acids on its own, but other amino acids must be obtained from the diet. Amino acids that must be obtained from the diet are called essential amino acids. The nine essential amino acids are:
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
iv. Properties of amino acids
Amino acids have a variety of properties that are important for their function in proteins. Some of the most important properties of amino acids include:
Acidity: Amino acids are acidic due to the presence of the carboxyl group.
Basicity: Amino acids are basic due to the presence of the amino group.
Hydrophobicity: Some amino acids have hydrophobic side chains, which means that they repel water.
Hydrophilicity: Other amino acids have hydrophilic side chains, which means that they attract water.
v. Synthesis and breakdown of amino acids
Amino acids are synthesized in the body from alpha-keto acids. Alpha-keto acids are formed during the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats. Amino acids can also be obtained from the diet. Amino acids can be broken down in the body to produce energy, alpha-keto acids, and urea. Urea is a waste product that is excreted in the urine.
Real-world applications of amino acids
Amino acids are used in a variety of products and industries. For example, amino acids are used in food products, such as protein supplements and infant formula. Amino acids are also used in industrial products, such as adhesives and pharmaceuticals.
Amino acids are also being studied for their potential applications in nanotechnology and medicine. For example, researchers are developing amino acid-based nanoparticles that can be used to deliver drugs to specific cells in the body.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for life. Amino acids have a variety of properties that are important for their function in proteins. Amino acids are synthesized in the body from alpha-keto acids and can also be obtained from the diet. Amino acids can be broken down in the body to produce energy, alpha-keto acids, and urea.
