Amino Acid Structure?
Amino acids always contain carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and occasionally phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, copper and iron.
The nitrogen content distinguishes protein from fat and carbohydrate. The nitrogen is responsible for the unique physiological function of a protein.
Amino acids can be joined together in chains of:
- < 50 amino acids, called peptides,
- 50-100 amino acids, called polypeptides, and
- > 100 amino acids, called proteins.
A number of hormones, antibiotics, antitumor agents and neurotransmitters are peptides. A peptide bond can be broken down by hydrolysis (the adding of water).
Amino acids are critically and intimately linked with:
- muscle recovery,
- energy production,
- growth and fat loss,
- numerous neurological functions.
These 20 amino acids are common in proteins, each differing only in the composition of the R side chain.
