aminohapolla

Aminohappo is the Finnish word for amino acid. Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They are characterized by having both an amino group (containing nitrogen) and a carboxyl group (containing carbon and oxygen) attached to a central carbon atom, known as the alpha-carbon. Attached to this alpha-carbon is also a unique side chain, often referred to as the R-group, which varies among different amino acids.

There are 20 standard amino acids that are commonly found in living organisms. These 20 amino acids can be categorized based on the properties of their R-groups, such as whether they are polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic. The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its function. The bonds that link amino acids together to form a polypeptide chain are called peptide bonds.

Amino acids play crucial roles in numerous biological processes beyond protein synthesis. They are involved in neurotransmission, as precursors for hormones and enzymes, and in metabolic pathways. Some amino acids are considered essential, meaning the body cannot synthesize them and they must be obtained from the diet, while others are non-essential and can be produced by the body. The study of amino acids and their interactions is fundamental to understanding biochemistry and molecular biology.