Laminoácido

Laminoácido is the Spanish term for amino acid. Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They are characterized by a central carbon atom, known as the alpha-carbon, to which are attached an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a side chain. The side chain, also known as the R-group, varies among different amino acids and determines their unique properties.

There are 20 common amino acids that are found in proteins, each with a distinct R-group. These amino acids can be classified based on the properties of their side chains, such as being polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic. Some amino acids are considered essential, meaning the human body cannot synthesize them and they must be obtained through diet. Others are non-essential, as the body can produce them internally.

Amino acids link together through peptide bonds to form long chains called polypeptides. These polypeptides then fold into specific three-dimensional structures to create functional proteins. Proteins play crucial roles in virtually all biological processes, including enzyme catalysis, structural support, transport, and immune defense. The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain dictates its structure and function. Beyond their role in protein synthesis, amino acids also serve as precursors for various biomolecules and participate in metabolic pathways.