Aminohappele

Aminohappele is the Finnish word for amino acid. Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They are essential for life, playing critical roles in various biological processes. Each amino acid molecule consists of a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group (containing nitrogen), a carboxyl group (containing carbon and oxygen), a hydrogen atom, and a side chain. The structure of this side chain is what differentiates one amino acid from another, giving each its unique properties.

There are 20 standard amino acids that are commonly found in proteins. These are categorized as either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet, while non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body. Amino acids link together through peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into complex three-dimensional structures to create functional proteins. These proteins are involved in everything from enzyme catalysis and structural support to immune defense and signal transduction. The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain determines the protein's final structure and function.