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Amino Acid

Definition

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are organic compounds that contain an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a side chain (R-group) attached to a central carbon atom.

Analogy

Think of amino acids as Lego blocks for building proteins. Each amino acid is like a different colored Lego block with its own unique shape (side chain). When you connect these Lego blocks together in specific sequences, you can create various protein structures, just like how different combinations of amino acids create different proteins.

Related terms

Peptide bond: This term refers to the covalent bond formed between two amino acids through a condensation reaction, resulting in the formation of a dipeptide or polypeptide.

Protein synthesis: The process by which cells build proteins using the instructions encoded in DNA. It involves transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein).

Enzyme: A type of protein that acts as a catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions in cells. Enzymes are composed of one or more chains of amino acids folded into specific 3D shapes.