Amino acids are organic compounds. They create long chains of proteins and have essential functions in many biological processes. Amino acids are often called building blocks of life. Here's their reason for being.
About Amino Acids
Amino acids consist of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. A group of standard amino acids are genetically coded in humans and other organisms. These can form over 100,000 combinations in the body.
Amino acids contain both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. Over 500 amino acids exist in nature. Most important are 22 α-amino acids incorporated into proteins. Only these 22 appear in the genetic code of life.
Amino acids can be categorized into three main groups:
Essential Amino Acids: These cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. There are nine essential amino acids: lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, leucine, valine, and histidine.
Non-Essential Amino Acids: These can be synthesized by the body and do not need to be obtained from food. Examples include alanine, asparagine, and glutamic acid.
Conditionally Essential Amino Acids: These are usually non-essential but may become essential under certain physiological conditions, such as stress or illness. Examples include arginine and glutamine.
They are the foundational units of proteins, forming chains with different functions within bodies. Essential amino acids can't be created by the body and must be obtained from food.
Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized internally. Among the essential amino acids, leucine, valine, and lysine are used in muscle protein synthesis. Leucine may facilitate synthesis by up to 30%.
How Amino Acids Are Made
Biosynthesis: Non-essential amino acids are synthesized through the body's metabolic pathways from simpler compounds. Alanine can be produced from pyruvate, a key intermediate in the glycolysis process.
Dietary Intake: Essential amino acids must be obtained from food and drink. High-protein nourishment like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and plant-based sources like quinoa and soy contain these essential amino acids.
Decomposition: In nature, amino acids are formed through protein breakdown by microorganisms or enzymes. This process in ecosystems decomposes organic matter to enrich the soil with nutrients.
Purpose of Amino Acids
Protein Synthesis: The primary role of amino acids is protein synthesis. Proteins are vital for structural integrity in cells, tissues, and organs. When amino acids link together through peptide bonds, they form polypeptides.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. A polypeptide is a longer, continuous, unbranched peptide chain. Polypeptides with a molecular mass of 10,000 Da or more are proteins.
This process is integral to cell structure, enzyme function and muscle repair. For example hemoglobin, the oxygen-transport protein in red blood cells, is made of multiple amino acids arranged in a specific sequence.
Each protein's specific function is determined by its unique amino acid sequence. Collagen, making up about 30% of the body's protein, relies on amino acids like glycine and proline for its formation.
Metabolic Regulation: Many amino acids are precursors for important biological molecules. For instance, tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin, a mood regulating neurotransmitter. Low tryptophan levels may intensify mood disorders.
Phenylalanine, an amino acid found in mammalian milk, is converted to tyrosine. This in turn is used to create neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
Hormone Regulation: Insulin controls blood sugar levels. It consists of a specific chain of amino acids. An imbalance in amino acid levels can affect hormone secretion and overall metabolism.
Energy Production: Under certain conditions, amino acids can be broken down for energy. The body can convert amino acids to glucose through gluconeogenesis or oxidize them in the Krebs cycle to produce ATP.
Immune Function: Amino acids like glutamine and arginine are important in immune function. Glutamine serves as a fuel source for rapidly dividing immune cells and is needed especially during periods of stress or illness.
Some Important Amino Acids
1. Leucine
Leucine is an amino acid important for muscle growth and repair. It activates the mTOR pathway, critical for protein synthesis. Leucine can increase muscle mass 7% to 10% over a few weeks.
2. Glutamine
Glutamine is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system. It's fuel for intestinal cells and is especially needed in recovery from intense exercise. Supplementing with glutamine may reduce muscle soreness.
3. Glycine
Glycine is the simplest amino acid. It's essential in collagen formation =for skin, joints, and connective tissues. Glycine has been linked to improved sleep quality.
Quick Facts About Amino Acids
Diversity of Functions: Amino acids are versatile and can act as precursors for hormones, neurotransmitters, and other bioactive molecules. Some amino acids also participate in the synthesis of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
Unique Side Chains: The unique characteristics of each amino acid stem from its side chain (R group). For example, the presence of sulfur in cysteine allows it to form disulfide bridges, which stabilize protein structures.
Taste and Umami: Some amino acids, particularly glutamate, are responsible for the savory taste known as umami. This discovery led to use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer in many foods.
Historical Importance: The first amino acid to be discovered, asparagine, is isolated from asparagus. It's identified in 1806.
Clinical Relevance: Certain amino acids have therapeutic properties. For instance, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) – leucine, isoleucine, and valine – are often taken as supplements to support muscle recovery and reduce exercise fatigue.
Biodiversity: The human body can create over 100,000 distinct proteins, each made up of various combinations of the 20 amino acids.
Dietary Sources: Essential amino acids can be found in foods like meat, dairy, eggs, legumes, and nuts.
Plant-Based Sources: Vegans and vegetarians can consume a range of plant foods to get enough essential amino acids. Pairing beans with rice or hummus with pita can create a complete amino acid profile.
Longevity & Aging: Research suggests certain amino acids, like leucine and arginine, may enhance longevity and reduce aging effects.
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