Alfaaminohappo

Alfaaminohappo, or alpha-amino acid, is a molecule that contains both an amino group and a carboxyl group attached to the same carbon atom. This central carbon atom is known as the alpha-carbon. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and they play crucial roles in numerous biological processes. There are 20 standard alpha-amino acids that are commonly found in proteins, each with a unique side chain that determines its properties.

These side chains can be polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic, influencing how the amino acid interacts with other molecules and contributes to the overall structure and function of a protein. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is determined by the genetic code and dictates the protein's three-dimensional shape, which in turn determines its biological activity.

Beyond their role in protein synthesis, amino acids also serve as precursors for the synthesis of other important biomolecules, such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and nucleic acids. They are also involved in energy metabolism. The human body can synthesize some amino acids, while others, known as essential amino acids, must be obtained from the diet. Understanding the structure and function of alpha-amino acids is fundamental to comprehending biochemistry and molecular biology.