Amino acids are building blocks of proteins connected by a specific type of covalent linkage. Amino acids are vital to life because the proteins consisting of them are involved in almost all cellular functions. Some proteins act as enzymes, some as antibodies, and others provide structural support. In addition to serving as building blocks for peptides and proteins, amino acids (either directly or in their modified form) are involved in many metabolic functions. They include neurotransmitter functions as well as precursors for the synthesis of non-protein nitrogen-containing metabolites. Although hundreds of amino acids have been found in nature, proteins are made up of 20 amino acids.
The basic structure of an amino acid consists of an amino group (-NH2), a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a unique side chain termed "R-group". Each molecule contains a central carbon atom, known as α-carbon, to which both the amino and carboxylic acid groups are attached. The remaining two bonds of the α-carbon atom are usually satisfied by a hydrogen atom and an R group. Thus, the α-carbon atom is attached to four substituents. Amino acids differ from each other in the specific chemical properties and structure of the R groups.
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