Amino Acids: The Building Blocks of Proteins
This page introduces the concept of amino acids and their role in protein structure. Budowa białka begins with understanding the composition of amino acids, which are the fundamental units that make up proteins.
Definition: Amino acids are organic compounds containing both an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a central carbon atom.
The structure of an amino acid is illustrated, showing the central carbon atom (α-carbon) bonded to four different groups:
- An amino group (-NH₂)
- A carboxyl group (-COOH)
- A hydrogen atom (H)
- A side chain (R group)
Highlight: The side chain (R group) is unique to each amino acid and determines its specific properties.
The page also mentions the existence of both α-amino acids (which are protein-forming) and non-protein amino acids. This distinction is crucial for understanding Jak powstają białka and Funkcje białek w organizmie.
Vocabulary:
- Peptide bond: The chemical bond that links amino acids together to form proteins.
- α-amino acid: The most common type of amino acid found in proteins, where the amino group is attached to the carbon adjacent to the carboxyl group.
The chemical composition of amino acids is described, emphasizing that they typically contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N). Some amino acids also contain sulfur (S).
Example: Glycine, the simplest amino acid, has hydrogen as its side chain, while cysteine contains sulfur in its side chain.
Understanding the structure and properties of amino acids is fundamental to grasping concepts like Właściwości białek and Jak dzielimy białka. This knowledge forms the basis for studying more complex aspects of protein chemistry and biochemistry.
