Amino acids - Defination, Function, Benifits

Amino acids are among the basic components of biomolecules, which play a significant role in the biochemical processes of life. These organic compounds, as they are considered to be the building blocks of proteins, play an essential physiological role in such functions as enzymatic activity, hormone production, and tissue repair. Amino acids can be classified into two major types: essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids, which the body can synthesize. Understanding the importance of amino acids is an important for students who are to appear for entrance examinations like NEET, AIIMS, and other paramedical courses because this is a major topic in the Class 11 CBSE Biology syllabus for biomolecules.

Also Read:

• Biomolecules - Definition, Structure, Functions
• Biomolecules: Chemical Composition Analysis
• Proteins: Structure And Functions
• ATP - Energy Currency of the Cell

What Are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sometimes sulfur. They have an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a unique side chain, or R group, that determines the unique characteristics of each amino acid.

Structure Of Amino Acids

Each amino acid has the following general structure:

• Amino group: -NH₂
• Carboxyl group: -COOH
• Hydrogen atom: -H
• R group: Variable side chain that defines the amino acid

Types Of Amino Acids

Amino acids can be divided on the basis of the requirement of human health and chemical characteristics. The primary classification is as follows:

Essential Amino Acids

There are several amino acids that the human body cannot produce and must obtain from the diet. This is listed in the essential amino acids list:

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body. Some common examples are:

Semi-Essential Amino Acids

These amino acids are generally non-essential but may become essential under certain circumstances, such as illness or stress. Examples include:

• Arginine
• Cysteine
• Glutamine
• Glycine
• Proline
• Tyrosine

Classification Of Amino Acids

Amino acids can also be classified based on their chemical properties that influence their function in proteins and metabolism.

Basic Amino Acids

These are amino acids whose side chains consist of basic (alkaline) groups. They include;

• Lysine
• Arginine
• Histidine

Acidic Amino Acids

These are the amino acids whose side chains contain acidic groups. They include:

• Aspartic acid
• Glutamic acid

Aromatic Amino Acids

These are amino acids that possess an aromatic ring in their side chains. They include:

• Phenylalanine
• Tyrosine
• Tryptophan

How Many Amino Acids Are There?

20 standard amino acids coded by the genetic code and used in protein synthesis exist. The particular sequence of these then goes to form proteins into their appropriate shapes and functions.

Food Sources Of Amino Acids

Amino acids can be obtained from a variety of foods. Foods that are rich in amino acids are;

• Animal products: Chicken
• Fish: Salmon and tuna
• Milk products: Milk, cheese, yoghurt
• Legumes and Lentils: Good source of amino acids
• Nut and seed products: Almonds, pumpkin
• Eggs: Source of complete amino acids

Functions Of Amino Acids

Amino acids perform some key functions:

• They are used as the building blocks for proteins.
• They act as precursors to hormones.
• They participate in enzyme activity.
• Some of the amino acids are involved in the formation of neurotransmitters.

Tips, Tricks, And Strategies To Prepare For Amino Acids

• Study Aids: Draw diagrams or tables showing the functions and sources of essential and nonessential amino acids.
• Mnemonics: To remember what the essential amino acids are, use "PVT TIM HLL": Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Isoleucine, Methionine, Histidine, Leucine, Lysine.
• Multimedia: View videos or animations showing the structures of amino acids and the function that the different kinds serve in protein synthesis.
• Real-Life Example: Connect the amino acids to common foods. For example, for essential amino acids, connect it to meat and for non-essential ones to beans.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards to memorize the key terms and characteristic of different amino acids.

Weightage Of Questions From Amino Acids In Different Exams

Types Of Questions Asked On Amino Acids In Different Exams

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