Amino Acids

An important class of organic compounds that contain both the amino (NH2) and carboxyl (COOH) groups. Of these acids, 20 serve as the building blocks of proteins (see Protein). Known as the standard, or alpha, amino acids, they comprise alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. All 20 are constructed according to a general formula:

As the formula shows, the amino and carboxyl groups are both attached to a single carbon atom, which is called the alpha carbon atom. Attached to the carbon atom is a variable group (R); it is in their R groups that the molecules of the 20 standard amino acids differ from one another. In the simplest of the acids, glycine, the R consists of a single hydrogen atom. Other amino acids have more complex R groups that contain carbon as well as hydrogen and may include oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, as well.

When a living cell makes protein, the carboxyl group of one amino acid is linked to the amino group of another to form a peptide bond. The carboxyl group of the second amino acid is similarly linked to the amino group of a third, and so on, until a long chain is produced. This chainlike molecule, which may contain from 50 to several hundred amino acid subunits, is called a polypeptide. A protein may be formed of a single polypeptide chain, or it may consist of several such chains held together by weak molecular bonds. Each protein is formed according to a precise set of instructions contained within the nucleic acid (see Nucleic Acids), which is the genetic material of the cell. These instructions determine which of the 20 standard amino acids are to be incorporated into the protein, and in what sequence. The R groups of the amino acid subunits determine the final shape of the protein and its chemical properties; an extraordinary variety of proteins can be produced from the same 20 subunits.

The standard amino acids serve as raw materials for the manufacture of many other cellular products, including hormones (see Hormone) and pigments. In addition, several of these amino acids are key intermediates in cellular metabolism (see Metabolism).

Most plants and microorganisms are able to use inorganic compounds to make all the amino acids they require for normal growth. Animals, however, must obtain some of the standard amino acids from their diet in order to survive; these particular amino acids are called essential. Essential amino acids for humans include lysine, tryptophan, valine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine, methionine, and arginine. They are found in adequate amounts in protein-rich foods from animal sources or in carefully chosen combinations of plant proteins.

In addition to the amino acids that form proteins, more than 150 other amino acids have been found in nature, including some that have the carboxyl and amino groups attached to separate carbon atoms. These unusually structured amino acids are most often found in fungi and higher plants.

 

Contributed By:
Mary Lynn Hendrix

You may e-mail us at Norman@thehormoneshop.com
This page was last updated on 03/08/08 06:16:54 AM.
Friendly Folks and one grouch have visited 
this site since January 1, 2000.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug
Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent
any disease. If pregnant or lactating, consult a physician before using.

Notice: This information on anti-aging products such as  androstenedione, Saliva Testing, Saliva, Hormones in saliva, non-invasive testing, Menopause, hormones, Progesterone, testosterone, estrone, estriol, estradiol,DHEA, DHEAS, dihydrotestosterone, melatonin, cortisol, IGF-1test, tests, menopause, hormones menopause, HRT, menopause hormones, Women's Health, Lab Services, Reference Lab, Aging, Natural Hormones, Perimenopause, Hormone Testing, Hormone Imbalance, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, PMS, Infertility, Stress, DHEA, Pregnenolone, androstederm,  estrogen, progesterone, growth hormones, secretagogues,  and 5HTP is provided for educational and nutritional purposes. Any medical procedures, dietary changes or the use of dietary supplements discussed herein should only be undertaken on the advice of a qualified medical doctor. Although listed and sold as dietary supplements DHEA, androstederm,  NorAndrostederm, ProMale, Pregnenolone, melatonin,ip6, IP6, inositol, MYO-Inositol, rice bran extract, rice bran, growth hormone stimulators, progesterone and 5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) are not innocuous, inert substances; rather they can and do affect vital systems within the human body and it is for this reason that you are urged to find a medical doctor who will work with you in monitoring and maintaining your well being.

Disclaimer: The Hormone Shop LLC assumes no liability, whether under a theory of contract, tort, negligence, product liability or otherwise. In no event shall The Hormone Shop LLC be liable for any direct or indirect, consequential, incidental, special, punitive or exemplary damages, or for any loss incurred due to results that we report or the use of collection materials we supply. Regardless of whether The Hormone Shop LLC knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages. Furthermore, in no event shall The Hormone Shop LLC's total cumulative liability exceed The Hormone Shop LLC net profit on any specific sale of any product or test sample giving rise to the liability.
A to Z Treasures of Yesterday

These sites are the design work of Norman Rose who can be reached at norman@thehormoneshop.com 
Our favorite sites  are:

http://www.drugsfromindia.net 

http://www.drugsfromindia.net/fsh.htm

http://www.drugsfromindia.net/menshealth.htm   
http://www.ginkgo-inc.com 
http://www.kansascityrealestate.to
http://www.kc-real-estate.com
http://www.cybernetrealty.to
http://www.kansascitymls.biz 

http://www.thehormoneshop.com 

http://www.thehormoneshop.com/products&info.htm 

http://www.thehormoneshop.to/products&info.htm 

http://www.thehormoneshop.to

http://www.thehormoneshop.net

http://www.thehormoneshop.net/products&info.htm 

Pregnenolone
Progesterone
DHEA
DHA
Faq
NorAndrosteDERM
ProMale
Prostate
L:eukemia
HGH Stimulators
HGH
I3C
IP-6
5-HTP Update
Home Frame
Secretagogues
Pregnenolone
Progesterone
Progesterone+E
DHEA
5-HTP
5-HTP Library
5-HTP Update
Growth Hormones
Stimulators
Order Form
Book Store
CoQ-10
New Products
Products & Info
FAQ
Prostate Cancer
Leukemia
FTC Crack Down
Disclaimer
Androstederm
hGH-PH Complex
Order Tests
About the Lab
Glossary
Saliva Testing
Saliva Bibliography

Profile Tests

Female Profile I
Meno Hormone Profile
PMS Profile
Female Cycle Mapping
Male Profile I
Male Profile II
Athlete Profile
Cortisol Rhythm
Anti-Aging Profile
Sleep Profile

Individual Tests

Androstenedione
Cortisol
DHEA
DHEA-S
Dihydrotestosterone
Estrone
Estradiol
Estriol
Melatonin
Progesterone
Testosterone
IGF-1