Amino Acids
The building blocks of proteins
20 Monomers
Strung together in proteins
There are 20 naturally occurring amino acids (with some variants). Each one has a distinct shape and chemical nature, whether small or large; or charged or uncharged. On their own, they are rather inconsequential, but when strung together to form polypeptide chains, they perform almost all biological functions.
Proteins, in other words, which consist of one or more polypeptide chains folded up into a specific 3D conformation—proteins are composed of amino acids. That makes amino acids absolutely essential ingredients for life to exist.
Proteins, in other words, which consist of one or more polypeptide chains folded up into a specific 3D conformation—proteins are composed of amino acids. That makes amino acids absolutely essential ingredients for life to exist.
Recommended reading
The definitive text
Campbell's Biology is the standard text used in most first-year college biology courses. Reliably researched and well-written, with clear illustrations.
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The blueprint for life
