Aminohapoihin

Aminohapoihin is a Finnish term that translates to "amino acids" in English. Amino acids are small organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They are essential for life and play a crucial role in a vast array of biological processes. Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a side chain (R-group). It is the unique structure of the R-group that differentiates one amino acid from another.

There are twenty common amino acids that are used by living organisms to synthesize proteins. These are often categorized as essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet, while non-essential amino acids can be produced internally. Amino acids link together through peptide bonds to form long chains, which then fold into specific three-dimensional structures to create functional proteins. These proteins are responsible for a multitude of tasks, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, transporting molecules, providing structural support, and facilitating communication within the body. The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its unique function.