AMINO ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They are characterized by the presence of an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a central carbon atom. The central carbon is also bound to a hydrogen atom and a unique side chain referred to as the R-group. The R-group varies among the 20 different amino acids, giving each amino acid its distinct chemical properties.
Amino acids play a crucial role in biological processes and are involved in various functions within living organisms. They are primarily known for their role in protein synthesis, as they join together through peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins. However, amino acids have other functions as well. They contribute to the regulation of gene expression, support cellular communication, and participate in enzymatic reactions.
In addition to their protein-building role, amino acids also have nutritional significance. There are nine essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and need to be obtained through the diet. These essential amino acids are required for growth, tissue repair, and the synthesis of enzymes and neurotransmitters.
Due to their importance, amino acids have extensive applications in various fields, including medicine, food science, and nutrition. They are commonly used as dietary supplements, pharmaceutical ingredients, and additives in the food and beverage industry.
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An organic acid in which one of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced by NH2; it is one of the products of the hydrolysis of proteins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AMINO ACID
- zmino acid
- smino acid
- wmino acid
- qmino acid
- anino acid
- akino acid
- ajino acid
- amuno acid
- amjno acid
- amkno acid
- amono acid
- am9no acid
- am8no acid
- amibo acid
- amimo acid
- amijo acid
- amiho acid
- amini acid
- amink acid
- aminoacid
Etymology of AMINO ACID
The word "amino acid" has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from two main parts: "amino" and "acid".
1. "Amino": The term "amino" comes from the French word "amine", which is derived from the Latin word "ammonia". This Latin word originally referred to the temple of Jupiter Ammon in Libya, where a type of ammonia, now known as ammonium chloride, was produced from animal urine. It was named after Ammon, the ancient Egyptian god with the head of a ram. Eventually, the term "ammonia" was used to describe a pungent gas with a similar smell to the substance produced at the temple.
2. "Acid": The term "acid" originates from the Latin word "acidus", which means sour. It was first used to refer to substances with a sour taste, such as vinegar.
Similar spelling words for AMINO ACID
- gamma-amino-butyric acid,
- d-amino acid,
- 2-[[(1R)-2-[(2S)-2-[(4-carbamimidoylphenyl)methylcarbamoyl]azetidin-1-yl]-1-cyclohexyl-2-oxoethyl]amino]acetic acid,
- ammono acid,
- amen cadence,
- imino acid,
- (2S,5R,6R)-6-[[(2R)-2-[(4-ethyl-2,3-dioxopiperazine-1-carbonyl)amino]-2-phenylacetyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid,
- (2S,5R,6R)-6-[[(2R)-2-amino-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid,
- aminoaciduria,
- (2S)-2-[[5-[methyl-[(2-methyl-4-oxo-1H-quinazolin-6-yl)methyl]amino]thiophene-2-carbonyl]amino]pentanedioic acid,
- essential amino-acid,
- 2-[2-[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]ethyl-(carboxymethyl)amino]acetic acid,
- aromatic-amino-acid transaminase,
- (2S,5R,6R)-6-[[(2R)-2-amino-2-phenylacetyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid,
- Amnio acid,
- Thesaurus:amino acid,
- amnionic,
- (2S,3aS,6aS)-1-[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-1-ethoxy-1-oxo-4-phenylbutan-2-yl]amino]propanoyl]-3,3a,4,5,6,6a-hexahydro-2H-cyclopenta[b]pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid.
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