amminihappojen

Amminihappojen are organic compounds that contain both an amino group and a carboxyl group. They are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential macromolecules for all known forms of life. Each amino acid has a central carbon atom, called the alpha-carbon, to which an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain (R-group) are attached. The R-group is what distinguishes one amino acid from another.

There are 20 standard amino acids that are commonly found in proteins, and these are often referred to as the proteogenic amino acids. These amino acids can be classified 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 polypeptide chain determines the protein's structure and function.

Amino acids can link together through peptide bonds to form long chains called polypeptides. When a polypeptide chain folds into a specific three-dimensional structure, it becomes a functional protein. Proteins play a vast array of roles in biological systems, including catalyzing biochemical reactions (enzymes), providing structural support, transporting molecules, and mediating cell signaling. Beyond their role in protein synthesis, amino acids also serve as precursors for other important biomolecules, such as neurotransmitters and hormones.