Amino is a term that is commonly used in the field of science, particularly in the study of biology and chemistry. It is a word that is often heard in discussions about proteins, enzymes, and other biochemical compounds. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of amino, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Amino is a term that refers to a functional group that is found in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The amino group consists of a nitrogen atom that is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, and it is represented by the symbol NH2.
In addition to its use in the context of amino acids, the term amino is also used to describe other compounds that contain the amino group. For example, amines are organic compounds that contain one or more amino groups, and they are often used in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals.
Origin
The term amino comes from the Greek word amine, which means “nitrogen-containing.” The word was first used in the early 19th century by the French chemist Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin, who discovered the amino acid asparagine.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, amino is defined as “relating to or containing an amino group.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “relating to or denoting an organic compound containing an amino group.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “relating to or containing an amino group, which is a chemical group consisting of a nitrogen atom and two hydrogen atoms.”
Associations
Amino is often associated with the study of biochemistry, particularly in the context of proteins and enzymes. It is also associated with the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals, as well as with the study of genetics and molecular biology.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of amino include amine, aminoalkane, and amino group.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of amino, as it is a specific term that refers to a particular functional group.
The same root words
Some other words that share the same root as amino include amine, ammonia, and amide.
Example Sentences
- The amino acid glycine is the simplest of all amino acids.
- Amines are often used in the production of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals.
- The protein hemoglobin contains four amino acid chains.