Amino acid

Definition

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, each containing an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a unique side chain (R group) attached to the central carbon atom. They play critical roles in various biological functions, including cellular structure, function, and regulation.

Related terms

Peptide Bond: A covalent chemical bond formed between two amino acid molecules when the carboxyl group of one molecule reacts with the amino group of another molecule, releasing a molecule of water (H2O).

Protein Structure: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a protein molecule, which is determined by the sequence of amino acids and includes levels such as primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

Enzyme: A type of protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions, speeding up reactions without being consumed in the process