Chemical Structure of Amino Acid

Amino acids serve as the foundational organic molecules that are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for countless biological processes. Every amino acid possesses a consistent core structure: a central carbon atom (the alpha-carbon) attached to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a distinctive side chain, often referred to as the 'R' group. It is this variable R group that imparts each of the 20 common amino acids with its unique chemical properties and functions, dictating how they interact and contribute to the intricate folding of proteins. Grasping this basic molecular blueprint is crucial for understanding protein behavior and broader biological systems.

amino acid - chemical structure - biochemistry - protein - organic chemistry - molecular biology - peptide bond - r group