aminokyselinou

Aminokyselina is the Czech term 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 (–NH2) and a carboxyl group (–COOH) attached to the same carbon atom, known as the alpha carbon. This central carbon atom also typically bears a hydrogen atom and a side chain, denoted by the letter R.

The nature of the R group varies among different amino acids, and it is this side chain that determines the unique properties of each amino acid. There are 20 standard amino acids that are incorporated into proteins during protein synthesis. These can be broadly categorized based on the properties of their R groups, such as being polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic.

Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into specific three-dimensional structures to create functional proteins. Proteins perform a vast array of functions in living organisms, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, transporting molecules, providing structural support, and playing roles in immunity.

Beyond their role in protein synthesis, amino acids also have other important biological functions. For instance, they can be used as precursors for the synthesis of other biomolecules, such as neurotransmitters and hormones. Some amino acids are considered essential, meaning they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet, while others are non-essential and can be produced internally. The study of amino acids and their roles is fundamental to biochemistry and molecular biology.