aminos

Aminos, short for amino acids, are a class of organic compounds that combine to form proteins, the major structural and functional molecules of living organisms. Each amino acid shares a common backbone containing an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a distinctive side chain (R) attached to a central carbon atom. The properties of an amino acid are largely determined by its side chain, which can be nonpolar, polar, acidic, or basic.

Twenty standard amino acids are encoded directly by the genetic code and incorporated into proteins during translation. They are divided into essential amino acids, which humans cannot synthesize in sufficient amounts and must obtain from the diet, and nonessential amino acids, which can be synthesized by the body. Some sources also list conditionally essential amino acids that must be supplied under certain conditions, such as illness or stress.

Amino acids link together through peptide bonds in condensation reactions to form polypeptides, which fold into functional proteins. The sequence and chemical nature of amino acids determine protein structure and function. In proteins, the L-enantiomer predominates; most organisms do not utilize D-enantiomers except in certain contexts.

Beyond protein building, amino acids participate in metabolism as neurotransmitter precursors (glutamate, GABA), signaling molecules (glycine), and intermediates in biosynthetic pathways for nucleotides and hormones. Dietary sources include animal products and many plant foods; complete proteins contain all essential amino acids. Adequate intake supports growth, tissue repair, and metabolic health, while excessive supplementation offers limited benefits and can be harmful.