Standard Amino Acids Overview

Study Notes

There are 20 standard amino acids, each with unique properties and classifications.
Amino acids are categorized based on the characteristics of their R groups (side chains).

Glycine (Gly/G): Simplest amino acid, essential for protein structure stability.
Alanine (Ala/A): Plays a crucial role in energy production and muscle metabolism.
Proline (Pro/P): Unique cyclic structure contributes to the stability of protein structures.
Valine (Val/V): Essential amino acid, important for muscle growth and repair.
Leucine (Leu/L): Stimulates muscle protein synthesis; essential for growth and recovery.
Isoleucine (Ile/I): Important for hemoglobin formation and energy regulation.
Methionine (Met/M): Contains sulfur; plays a role in metabolism and detoxification.

Phenylalanine (Phe/F): Precursor to neurotransmitters; affects mood and cognitive function.
Tyrosine (Tyr/Y): Synthesized from phenylalanine; involved in the production of hormones.
Tryptophan (Trp/W): Precursor to serotonin; influences sleep and mood regulation.

Serine (Ser/S): Participates in various metabolic pathways; important for protein function.
Threonine (Thr/T): Essential for protein synthesis and immune function.
Cysteine (Cys/C): Contains a thiol group that forms disulfide bonds, critical for protein structure.
Asparagine (Asn/N): Involved in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Glutamine (Gln/Q): Major carrier of nitrogen in the body; crucial for gut health and immune function.

Lysine (Lys/K): Essential for protein synthesis and calcium absorption; aids in hormone production.
Arginine (Arg/R): Plays a role in blood flow regulation and immune response.
Histidine (His/H): Precursor to histamine; important for immune response and gastric secretion.

Aspartate (Asp/D): Involved in the synthesis of other amino acids; functions as a neurotransmitter.
Glutamate (Glu/E): Major neurotransmitter in the brain; involved in learning and memory functions.