Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids and all share five basic parts namely-
1. a central carbon atom
2. a hydrogen atom
3. an amino group
4. a carboxyl group
5. an R - group or side chain.
The R - group or side chain is what makes each amino acid unique.
There are two categories of amino acids:
1. essential amino acids - these are necessary for growth and maintenance of the body but cannot be produced by the body itself.
2.non essential amino acids - these can be synthesized by the body itself.
