STRUCTURE AND CLASSIFICATION OF AMINO ACID
AMINO ACID The scientific journey to uncover amino acids
Amino acids are the small units that join began more than two centuries ago. The first
together to make all proteins in living things. amino acid to be isolated was Asparagine in
These molecules are often called "the tiny 1806 by French chemists Louis-Nicolas
bricks that build all proteins in our body" and Vauquelin and Pierre Jean Robiquet. They
are important for almost everything the body isolated it from asparagus juice, which gave
does. While many types of amino acids exist, the molecule its name. The second discovery
the human body uses only 20 common ones followed in 1820 when Glycine was isolated
to build the many different proteins it needs. from gelatin. Over the next 120 years,
General Structure scientists slowly and carefully isolated and
All 20 common amino acids share a identified the remaining common amino
consistent basic structure. acids, primarily by breaking down various
proteins and plant extracts. The concept that
these units link together to form proteins, and
that their sequence determines protein
function, became clear in the mid-20th
century, laying the groundwork for modern
biochemistry.
Essential Functions in the Body
The jobs of amino acids do much more than
just build structures; they also help with
energy, control, and regulation throughout
the body.
Figure 20. General Structure of Amino Acid
Structural and Enzymatic Roles
The main job of amino acids is to provide the
This structure is centered on an alpha (α)
materials to build and heal muscle tissue,
carbon atom, to which four key parts are
helping with overall muscle growth and
strongly connected:
repair. When linked together, they fold into
1. An Amino Group (−NH2)
complex proteins that become the structure
2. A Carboxyl Group (−COOH)
of our cells and tissues. Amino acids are also
3. A single Hydrogen atom (−H)
the essential building blocks for enzymes,
The Variable R Group
which are special proteins that make
What makes one amino acid different from
chemical reactions happen quickly for
another is the fourth part attached to the α-
metabolism and cell function.
carbon: the Variable Side Chain, or the R
Energy and Signaling Roles
group. The unique chemical traits of the R
Amino acids can also act as a backup fuel
group— whether it is acidic, basic, or
source when the body runs low on its main
neutral—decide what the final protein will
fuels (like sugars and fats). The carbon parts
look like and what job it will do. This R group
of certain amino acids can be sent to the liver
drives the complex way the protein chain
to be used for energy. In the nervous system,
folds into a working shape.
specific amino acids create
Understanding amino acids is highly relevant.
neurotransmitters, which are chemical
Since proteins control all body functions, from
messengers that control things like mood,
muscle movement to hormone signaling and
memory, and communication between brain
cell structure, knowing these building blocks
cell
is the key to understanding human anatomy
and physiology.
History of Amino Acid Discovery
STRUCTURE AND CLASSIFICATION OF AMINO ACID
PEPTIDE BOND AND POLYPEPTIDE included in our meals, they are called Essential
FORMATION Amino Acids.
Amino acids must be chemically linked together
to form long polypeptide chains, which are the Non-Essential Amino Acids
first step in making working proteins. This linking There are 11 amino acids that the body can make
is done by creating a Peptide Bond. by using other substances or by breaking down
and recycling old proteins. Even though the body
Condensation Reaction can make them, they are still necessary for all
Amino acids connect through a condensation protein building.
reaction, also called a dehydration reaction. This
is because a molecule of water (H2O) is removed [Link] Turnover: Building and Breaking
for every bond that forms. The reaction happens Down
between two amino acids: The body is always in a continuous cycle called
The Carboxyl Group (−COOH) of the first Protein Turnover, which involves constantly
amino acid gives up a hydroxyl group breaking down old proteins and making new
(−OH). ones. Keeping a good balance between these
The Amino Group (−NH2) of the second two actions is important for keeping cells healthy,
amino acid gives up a hydrogen atom muscles strong, and tissues whole.
(−H).
Anabolic State
These removed −OH and −H combine to form the The anabolic state happens when the body builds
water molecule (H2O) that is released. (synthesis) protein faster than it breaks it down.
This state is good for growth, muscle repair, and
Dipeptide Formation making new tissues. It is usually triggered by
The removal of the water molecule helps make a eating enough nutrients and doing resistance
strong covalent bond between the two amino exercise.
acids. Specifically, the Carbon (C) atom from the
first amino acid joins with the Nitrogen Catabolic State
(N) atom from the second amino acid. This C−N The catabolic state happens when the body
link is the Peptide Bond. The resulting molecule, breaks down protein faster than it builds it. If this
which is two amino acids joined by one peptide goes on for too long, it causes the loss of tissue
mass, such as muscle loss, because the body is
bond, is called a Dipeptide. Repeating this using its own proteins for energy or other crucial
process creates a long, linear polypeptide chain. needs.
Classification: Essential vs. non-essential
The 20 common amino acids are grouped based
on whether the human body can produce them on
its own or if they must come from food.
Essential Amino Acids
There are 9 amino acids that the body cannot
make. This means we must get them directly from
our diet, through foods like meat, eggs, and
certain plants. Since it is "essential" that they are