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The key elements for amino acids are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. They mainly form the monomers or building blocks of proteins. The general empirical formula for amino acids is R.CH.NH2.COOH. The function group of amino acid is R, which differs in amino acids and every amino acid has a minimum of one NH2 called as amino group, and one carboxyl group, i.e., COOH. |
Protein amino acids are constituents of twenty amino acids or monomers. Those amino acids which are present in cells and do not participate in the manufacturing process of proteins are known as non-protein amino acids.
On the basis of reaction of amino acids into solution, amino acids have been categorized into three groups. These are acidic amino acids, basic amino acids and Neutral amino acids.
Acidic amino acids are comprised of 2 carboxyl groups and 1 amino group. Free carboxyl group are found to acidic in nature such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid.
Basic amino acids are comprised of one carboxyl group and two amino groups. Free amino group are found to be basic in nature such as lysine and arginine.
Neutral amino acids are comprised of one carboxyl and one amino group. Alanine and glycine are its examples.
Peptide linkage connects the one amino acid with another. The amino group of one amino acid connects with the carboxyl group of other amino acids by removing a molecule of water. The bonds which establishes the connection is known as peptide bond. This connection happens when protein is being synthesized in the cells. In the synthesis of many biological compounds such as thyroxine and adrenaline hormones, amino acid tyrosine is used. By losing one amino group, amino acids converted into sugars and by losing carboxyl group, biological active amine histamine is formed.
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