Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a vital role in the human body. They are essential for the growth and repair of tissues, as well as the production of enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of amino acids.
Definitions
Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). There are 20 different types of amino acids that are commonly found in proteins. Each amino acid has a unique side chain, which determines its specific properties.
Origin
The term “amino acid” comes from the Latin words “amino” (meaning “nitrogen-containing”) and “acidus” (meaning “acidic”). The first amino acid, glycine, was discovered in 1820 by the French chemist Henri Braconnot. The structure of amino acids was not fully understood until the early 20th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an amino acid is “any of various acids containing both an amino group and a carboxyl group and especially any of the 20 or more compounds that have the characteristic amino acid structure and are the building blocks of proteins.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines an amino acid as “a simple organic compound containing both a carboxyl (-COOH) and an amino (-NH2) group, typically occurring as a constituent of proteins and playing a role in the growth and repair of tissues.”
Associations
Amino acids are associated with protein synthesis, as they are the building blocks of proteins. They are also involved in many other biological processes, such as the synthesis of hormones, neurotransmitters, and nucleotides.
Synonyms
Synonyms of amino acid include:
- Aminoalkanoic acid.
- Aminocarboxylic acid.
- Alpha-amino acid.
Antonyms
As amino acids are a specific type of organic compound, there are no true antonyms. However, some related terms include:
- Inorganic compound.
- Lipid.
- Carbohydrate.
The same root words
The root words of amino acid are “amino” and “acid.” Other words that share the same roots include:
- Aminobenzoic acid.
- Aminomethane.
- Aminophenol.
Example Sentences
- “Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids.”
- “Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet.”
- “The side chain of each amino acid determines its specific properties and functions.”