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20 amino acids and their functions, structures, names, properties, classifications. Essential and non-essential amino acids.
Table of 20 amino acids derived from proteins with the amino acid's name, common abbreviation and symbol, linear structure and skeletal structure.
Amino acid reference charts. Includes amino acid structures, peptide bond formation depictions, amino acid abbreviations and molecular weights, the genetic code table.
Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. [1] Although over 500 amino acids exist in nature, by far the most important are the 22 α-amino acids incorporated into proteins. [2] Only these 22 appear in the genetic code of life. [3] [4]
Essential amino acids vary considerable from one organism to another and even differ in humans, depending on whether they are adults or children. Table 2.1 shows essential and non-essential amino acids in humans. Some amino acids that are normally nonessential, may need to be obtained from the diet in certain cases.
The structures, abbreviations (both three- and one-letter), and pK a values of the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins are shown in Table \(\PageIndex{1}\). All are α-amino acids, meaning that the amino group in each is a substituent on the α carbon—the one next to the carbonyl group.
There are 20 amino acids that make up proteins and all have the same basic structure, differing only in the R-group or side chain they have. Amino acids are in an equilibrium between two acids with the proton (H+) moving between the amino group and the carboxyl group as shown below.
The structures and names of the 20 amino acids, their one- and three-letter abbreviations, and some of their distinctive features are given in Table \(\PageIndex{1}\). Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Common Amino Acids Found in Proteins
Essential amino acids vary considerable from one organism to another and even differ in humans, depending on whether they are adults or children. Table 2.1 shows essential and non-essential amino acids in humans. Some amino acids that are normally nonessential, may need to be obtained from the diet in certain cases.
The R group for each of the amino acids will differ in structure, electrical charge, and polarity. Refer to the charts and structures below to explore amino acid properties, types, applications, and availability.