amino acid

[uh-mee-noh as-id]

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of organic compounds that contains at least one amino group, –NH 2 , and one carboxyl group, –COOH: the alpha-amino acids, RCH(NH2 )COOH, are the building blocks from which proteins are constructed.

amino acid

noun

1. any of a group of organic compounds containing one or more amino groups, -NH 2 , and one or more carboxyl groups, -COOH. The alpha-amino acids RCH(NH 2 )COOH (where R is either hydrogen or an organic group) are the component molecules of proteins; some can be synthesized in the body ( nonessential amino acids ) and others cannot and are thus essential components of the diet ( essential amino acids )

amino acid

1. Any of a large number of compounds found in living cells that contain carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, and join together to form proteins. Amino acids contain a basic amino group (NH ₂) and an acidic carboxyl group (COOH), both attached to the same carbon atom. Since the carboxyl group has a proton available for binding with the electrons of another atom, and the amino group has electrons available for binding with a proton from another atom, the amino acid behaves as an acid and a base simultaneously. Twenty of the naturally occurring amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which they form by being connected to each other in chains. Eight of those twenty, called essential amino acids, cannot be synthesized in the cells of humans and must be consumed as part of the diet. The remaining twelve are nonessential amino acids.

Word History and Origins

Origin of amino acid¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

They attach to mRNA and travel along it, interpreting the genetic code and linking amino acids to form new proteins.

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Its amino acid sequence differs from gyroxine, a toxin taken directly from rattlesnake venom and used in fibrin sealant production.

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They modified the charged amino acids lining its interior to create 26 nanopore variants, each with a distinct charge pattern.

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DNA and proteins naturally attract one another in living cells because DNA's phosphate groups carry a negative charge, while many amino acids are positively charged.

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If that process fails, the faulty proteins are targeted for breakdown into amino acids so they can be recycled.

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