What is the General Molecular Structure of an Amino Acid?
Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to make proteins. A typical amino acid formula is R-CH(NH2)-COOH.
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It is known that amino acids include both amine and carboxyl functional groups. In addition, they have a side chain consisting of an R-group (where R might designate any alkyl or aryl group). These R-groups distinguish amino acids and account for their distinctive characteristics.
Structure of Amino Acid
Hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are the primary components of amino acids, as indicated by the image. However, it is fairly rare to find additional components in the side chain of an amino acid. There are also about 500 naturally occurring amino acids that we are aware of. Only 20 of these are known to be present in the genetic code.
These biomolecules perform several biological and chemical roles in the human body and are essential for human growth and development. Typically, the melting and boiling points of amino acids are extremely high. Typically, they exist as white, crystalline, stable molecules. Several amino acids are reported to be sweet, flavorless, and bitter. Most amino acids are soluble in water. Nonetheless, it should be emphasized that the majority of amino acids are insoluble in organic solvents.
Some Common Amino Acids and Their Structures
Below are depictions of the structures of several common amino acids, including glycine, serine, leucine, cysteine, and valine.
Glycine
Glycine is an amino acid that has a single hydrogen atom in its side chain. It is the amino acid with the simplest chemical formula, NH2-CH2-COOH (because carbamic acid is known to be unstable). Glycine is a recognized protein-forming amino acid. Due to its compact shape, glycine is essential to the development of alpha-helices in the secondary structure of proteins. In collagen triple-helices, it is the most abundant amino acid for the same reason. Importantly, glycine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Infections with Clostridium tetani, for instance, can cause spastic paralysis by interfering with the release of neurotransmitters in the spinal cord, which causes unrestrained muscle contraction.
Serine
Serine is an alpha-amino acid that is frequently utilized in the production of proteins. It has an alpha-amino group that is in the protonated -NH3+ form under biological circumstances. It also has a carboxyl group that is in the deprotonated -COO– form under biological circumstances.
Serine is also known to include a hydroxymethyl group on its side chain, and can therefore be categorized as a polar amino acid. It can be synthesized in the body under normal physiological conditions, making it a non-essential amino acid.
Leucine
Leucine is an essential amino acid utilized in the production of proteins. Leucine is an alpha-amino acid, meaning it contains an alpha-amino group (which, under biological conditions, is in the protonated -NH3+ form), an alpha-carboxylic acid group (which, under biological conditions, is in the deprotonated -COO– form), and a side chain isobutyl group, making it a non-polar aliphatic amino acid.
It is an essential amino acid in humans, meaning it cannot be synthesized by the body. Therefore, it must be acquired from the diet. This amino acid is found in foods that make protein, such as dairy products, meats, beans, soy products, and other legumes.
Cysteine
Cysteine is a proteinogenic amino acid that is typically classified as semi-essential. This amino acid’s thiol side chain participates in a number of enzymatic processes due to its activity as a nucleophile. Cystine, a disulfide derivative that plays a key structural role in a vast number of proteins, is vulnerable to oxidation by thiol. Cysteine has the same overall structure as serine, but one of its oxygen atoms has been replaced by a sulfur atom. Selenocysteine can be produced by substituting selenium for the oxygen atom in cysteine.
Cysteine and its oxidized dimeric form, cystine, can be found in the majority of high-protein diets alongside other common amino acids. Even though it is classified as a non-essential amino acid, cysteine can be essential in rare circumstances for the elderly, for children, and for persons with specific metabolic problems or malabsorption syndromes. Under normal physiological conditions, cysteine is synthesized by the human body as long as it has a suitable amount of methionine.
Valine
Valine is an essential amino acid utilized in the production of proteins. Valine is an alpha-amino acid, which means it comprises an alpha-amino group (which, under biological conditions, is in the protonated -NH3+ form), an alpha-carboxylic acid group (which, under biological conditions, is in the deprotonated -COO– form), and a side chain with an isopropyl group. Therefore, it can be referred to as an aliphatic nonpolar amino acid.
Most Basic Amino Acid
At neutral pH, there are three amino acids with basic side chains. Arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys), and histidine (Hist) are examples (His). Their side chains contain nitrogen and are similar to the basic ammonia. Lysine contains two amine groups, making it an overall basic molecule. It is the single nitrogen pair that gives amines their basicity.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q.1 What are amino acids?
The chemical substances that combine to produce proteins are amino acids. Consequently, they are referred regarded as the building blocks of proteins. These biomolecules are implicated in several biological and chemical processes within the human body. Human growth and development rely heavily on these substances.
Q.2 List 5 examples of amino acids.
Valine, Cysteine, Leucine, Serine, and Glycine are all examples of amino acids.
Q.3 What are the plant-based sources of amino acids?
Included among the plant-based sources of amino acids are beans, broccoli, pumpkin, legumes, and dry fruits.
Q.4 What is the function of valine in the human body?
Valine is recognized to play a significant role in increasing muscle growth in humans.
Q.5 What is the function of lysine in the human body?
It is recognized that lysine is required for the synthesis of antibodies, enzymes, and hormones in the human body. It is also essential for the formation and consolidation of bone calcium.
