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amino acids

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Amino acids are organic molecules that contain an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). They are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for life.

There are 20 different amino acids that are used to make proteins in the human body. Each amino acid has a different chemical structure, and this gives proteins their different properties.

The amino acids are linked together in a specific order to form proteins. The order of the amino acids determines the structure and function of the protein.

Proteins are involved in many important functions in the body, including:

  • Structure: Proteins form the structure of cells, tissues, and organs.
  • Enzymes: Proteins are enzymes, which are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body.
  • Hormones: Proteins are hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate many different body functions.
  • Transport: Proteins transport nutrients and other substances around the body.
  • Immunity: Proteins are part of the immune system, which helps the body fight off infection.

How can the word be used?

There are 20 different amino acids that are used to build proteins.

amino acids

Different forms of the word

Noun: amino acid.

Adjective: amino acid.

Plural: amino acids.

Synonyms: protein building blocks, essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids.

Antonyms: none.

Etymology

The word "amino acid" is derived from the Greek words amino (meaning "having an amine group") and acid (meaning "sour"). The first amino acid was discovered in 1806 by the French chemist Pierre Jean Robiquet. He named it "asparagine" after the asparagus plant, from which he isolated it.

Question

How many amino acids are there?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Why are amino acids essential for life?

Answer:

  • Amino acids are essential for life because they are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are essential for many biological processes, including:
  • Growth and development: Proteins are needed for the growth and development of all cells in the body.
  • Enzymes: Proteins are the building blocks of enzymes, which are essential for many chemical reactions in the body.
  • Hormones: Proteins are the building blocks of hormones, which are essential for many bodily functions.
  • Immunity: Proteins are essential for the immune system, which helps to fight off infection.

There are 20 amino acids that are essential for life. These amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body and must be obtained from the diet.