AMINO ACIDS

AMINO ACIDS

Each of the 20 amino acids contain one amino group (-NH₂) and one carboxyl group (COOH) attached to the same carbon atom. The remainder of the molecule is unique for each amino acid. The general formula for amino acid is as follows:

The carbon atom of the amino acid to which the functional groups are attached is known as the α-carbon. In neutral solution, amino acids are mainly in the form of dipolar ions called Zwitterions.

There are twenty naturally occurring amino acids of biological importance. All proteins found in living organism are combinations of these amino acids. Some of these amino acids are known as essential amino acids because they cannot be synthesized in our body. Thus, these amino acids must be present in our dietary proteins. Some examples of amino acids are as follows: