The ⍺-amino acids are called so because they carry an amino group (-NH 2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH) at the α-carbon atom. The α-amino acids may have other functional groups. On hydrolysis of proteins, α-amino acids are obtained. Based on the position of the amino group concerning carboxyl group, amino acids are classified as α, β, ץ, δ and so on. Chains of amino acids are together through peptide bonds.Īltogether, there are a total of 20 amino acids that combine to form proteins of different structures and functions.
In other words, proteins are polymers of amino acids.
The major functional groups present in the amino groups include amine (-NH 2), carboxyl (-COOH) and side chain (R group). The key elements of amino acids consist of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N) also, sulfur (S) is present in the side chains of cysteine and methionine. Amino acids are organic compounds and form the building components for the living system necessary for the growth and development of human beings. All proteins comprise long chains of ⍺-amino acids (alpha-amino acids).
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