Amino Acids PDF

AMINO ACIDS Module 3 Biochemistry WHAT IS AN AMINO ACID? Amino acids play central roles both as building blocks of proteins and as intermediates in metabolism. There are over 300 amino acids but only 20 constitute the monomer units from which the polypeptide backbones of proteins are...

AMINO ACIDS Module 3 Biochemistry WHAT IS AN AMINO ACID? Amino acids play central roles both as building blocks of proteins and as intermediates in metabolism. There are over 300 amino acids but only 20 constitute the monomer units from which the polypeptide backbones of proteins are constructed. The 20 amino acids that are found within proteins convey a vast array of chemical versatility. 1 STRUCTURE OF AN AMINO ACID PROSTHETIC GROUP AMINO GROUP CARBOXYL GROUP 2 CLASSIFICATIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF AMINO ACIDS 3 A. POLAR AMINO ACIDS Hydrophilic Amino Acids This polarity arises due to the presence of functional groups, such as -OH (hydroxyl), -NH2 (amino), -COOH (carboxyl), or -SH (sulfhydryl), in their side chains, and R group. Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Lysine, Serine, and Threonine 5 I. ACCORDING TO POLARITY A. POLAR AMINO ACIDS Hydrophilic Amino Acids This polarity arises due to the presence of functional groups, such as -OH (hydroxyl), -NH2 (amino), -COOH (carboxyl), or -SH (sulfhydryl), in their side chains, and R group. 4 I. ACCORDING TO POLARITY B. NON-POLAR AMINO ACIDS Hydrophobic Amino Acids Nonpolar amino acids are a group of amino acids due to the presence of aliphatic or aromatic groups. 4  Polar Amino Acids Non-Polar Amino Acids Can be positively charged, Charge Neutral in charge negatively charged, or neutral Can form hydrogen bonds with Cannot form hydrogen bonds Hydrogen Bonding polar molecules with polar molecules Solubility Generally soluble in water Generally insoluble in water More reactive due to their Less reactive due to their Reactivity hydrophilic nature hydrophobic nature Often involved in protein-protein Often involved in maintaining Function in proteins interactions, enzymatic reactions, the stability of protein 4 and ligand binding structures  II. ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF HUMAN BODY A. ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS Amino acids that must be obtained from the diet. B. NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS Amino acids that the body can manufacture from other sources Humans can produce 10 of the 20 amino acids 4 III. ACCORDING TO STRUCTURE A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Hydrocarbon containing b. Sulfur containing c. Hydroxy containing II. Acidic Amino Acids III. Basic Amino Acids 4 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Hydrocarbon containing i. GLYCINE - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It retards muscle degeneration Improves glycogen storage Promotes a healthy prostate, central nervous system, and immune system Useful for repairing damaged tissue and promotes healing. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Hydrocarbon containing ii. ALANINE - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It plays a major role in the transfer of nitrogen from peripheral tissue to the liver. Guards against the build-up of toxic substances that are released into muscle cells Strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Hydrocarbon containing iii. VALINE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID For muscle metabolism and coordination, tissue repair, and for the maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in the body Helpful in treating liver and gallbladder disease Promotes mental vigor and calm emotions. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Hydrocarbon containing iv. LEUCINE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It works with isoleucine and valine to promote the healing of muscle tissue, skin, and bones (recommended for those recovering from surgery) Lowers blood sugar levels Aids in increasing growth hormone production. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Hydrocarbon containing v. ISOLEUCINE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It is required for hemoglobin formation Stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Sulfur containing i. CYSTEINE - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID A powerful antioxidant in detoxifying harmful toxins Protect the body from radiation damage Protect the liver and brain from damage due to alcohol, drugs, and toxic compounds found in cigarette smoke 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Sulfur containing i. CYSTEINE Used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and hardening of the arteries Promotes the recovery from severe burns and surgery Promotes the burning of fat and the building of muscle Slows down the aging process. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Sulfur containing ii. METHIONINE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It helps prevent disorders of the hair, skin, and nails Assists in the breakdown of fats Helps to detoxify harmful agents such as lead and other heavy metals Helps diminish muscle weakness 5 Prevents brittle hair A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Sulfur containing ii. METHIONINE Prevents brittle hair It promotes the excretion of estrogen Reduces the level of histamine in the body. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Sulfur containing iii. CYSTINE Cystine is an amino acid that is found in digestive enzymes, in the cells of the immune system, in skeletal and connective tissues, skin, and hair. Hair and skin are 10% to 14% cystine. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Sulfur containing iii. CYSTINE Cystine may help speed recovery after surgery It may also boost your immune system. It may also help treat lung diseases. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Hydroxy containing i. SERINE - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID For the proper metabolism of fats and fatty acids, the growth of muscle, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system Important in RNA & DNA function and cell formation Aids in the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids I. Neutral Amino Acids a. Hydroxy containing ii. THREONINE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It helps maintain proper protein balance in the body Important for the formation of collagen, elastin and tooth enamel Aids liver and lipotropic function Prevents the build-up of fat in the liver Assists metabolism and 5 assimilation. A. Aliphatic Amino Acids II. Acidic Amino Acids a. ASPARTIC ACID - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It increases stamina and is good for chronic fatigue and depression Rejuvenates cellular activity, cell formation and metabolism Protects the liver by aiding the expulsion of ammonia Helps facilitate the movement of certain minerals across the intestinal 5 lining and into the blood and cells. A. Aliphatic Amino Acids II. Acidic Amino Acids b. GLUTAMIC ACID - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID An excitatory neurotransmitter for the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord Important in the metabolism of sugars and fats Aids in the transportation of potassium into the spinal fluid 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids II. Acidic Amino Acids b. GLUTAMIC ACID Helps correct personality disorders Used in the treatment of epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, and ulcers. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids III. Basic Amino Acids a. ASPARAGINE - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It is necessary for a healthy immune system for heart and blood vessel conditions For improving kidney function after a kidney transplant, high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre- eclampsia) 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids III. Basic Amino Acids a. ASPARAGINE Improving athletic performance Boosting the immune system Preventing inflammation of the digestive tract in premature infants. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids III. Basic Amino Acids b. GLUTAMINE - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It helps build and maintain muscle tissue; "brain fuel" that increases brain function and mental activity; Decreases sugar cravings Treatment of schizophrenia and 5 senility. A. Aliphatic Amino Acids III. Basic Amino Acids c. LYSINE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It ensures calcium absorption and maintains a proper nitrogen balance in adults Helps form collagen Aids in the production of antibodies Lowers high serum triglyceride levels. 5 A. Aliphatic Amino Acids III. Basic Amino Acids d. ARGININE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It increases blood flow to the penis; Retards the growth of tumors and cancer by enhancing the immune system Aids in liver detoxification by neutralizing ammonia Assists the release of growth hormones Aids in stimulating the pancreas to release insulin. 5 B. Aromatic Amino Acids a. PHENYLALANINE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It is used by the brain to produce norepinephrine Promotes alertness and vitality Elevates mood Decreases pain Aids memory and learning Used to treat arthritis, depression, menstrual cramps, migraines, obesity, Parkinson's disease, and 5 schizophrenia. B. Aromatic Amino Acids b. TYROSINE - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It is a precursor of adrenaline, norepinephrine, and dopamine It acts as a mood elevator, suppresses the appetite, and helps reduce body fat Aids in the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for hair and skin color) and in the functions of the adrenal, thyroid, 5 and pituitary glands B. Aromatic Amino Acids b. TYROSINE Used to help chronic fatigue, narcolepsy, anxiety, depression, low sex drive, allergies and headaches. 5 B. Aromatic Amino Acids c. TRYPTOPHAN - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID A natural relaxant, helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep which reduces anxiety and depression and stabilizes mood Helps in the treatment of migraine headaches 5 Helps the immune system function properly B. Aromatic Amino Acids c. TRYPTOPHAN It is used for hyperthyroid forms of endemic and sporadic goiters, diffuse, toxic goiters, and other illnesses accompanied by thyrotoxicity. 5 B. Aromatic Amino Acids d. DIIODOTYROSINE Aids in weight control by reducing appetite Enhances the release of growth hormones Helps control hyperactivity in children. 5 C. Heterocyclic Amino Acids a. PROLINE - NON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It improves skin texture by aiding the production of collagen and reducing the loss of collagen through the aging process Helps in the healing of cartilage and the strengthening of joints, tendons, and heart muscle 5 C. Heterocyclic Amino Acids a. PROLINE Works with Vitamin C to promote healthy connective tissues. 5 C. Heterocyclic Amino Acids b. HYDROXYPROLINE Hydroxyproline also plays an important role in wound healing and is a vital component of bones and teeth. Hydroxy Proline is a major component of the protein collagen and for collagen stability. 5 C. Heterocyclic Amino Acids b. HISTIDINE - ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers and anemia Important for the maintenance of the myelin sheaths Needed for the production of both red and white blood cells 5 C. Heterocyclic Amino Acids b. HISTIDINE Lowers blood pressure Aids in the removal of heavy metals from the body. 5 C. Heterocyclic Amino Acids c. TRYPTOPHAN A natural relaxant, helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep which reduces anxiety and depression and stabilizes mood Helps in the treatment of migraine headaches 5 Helps the immune system function properly C. Heterocyclic Amino Acids c. TRYPTOPHAN It is used for hyperthyroid forms of endemic and sporadic goiters, diffuse, toxic goiters, and other illnesses accompanied by thyrotoxicity. PROPERTIES OF AMINO ACIDS  A. CAPABLE OF ROTATING THE PLANE OF POLARIZED LIGHT Dextrorotatory - refers to the amino acids that tend to rotate to the right Levorotatory - refers to the amino acids that tend to rotate to the left B. POSSESS AMPHOTERIC PROPERTIES A species that has the potential to act both as an acid and as a base according to Brønsted-Lowry Theory is said to be amphoteric. C. EXIST IN THEIR ZWITTERION FORMS WHEN PLACED IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS B. POSSESS AMPHOTERIC PROPERTIES A species that has the potential to act both as an acid and as a base according to Brønsted-Lowry Theory is said to be amphoteric. C. EXIST IN THEIR ZWITTERION FORMS WHEN PLACED IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS D. WHITE CRYSTALLINE SUBSTANCE E. SOLUBLE IN COLD WATER EXCEPT CYSTINE AND TYROSINE WHICH ARE MORE SOLUBLE IN HOT WATER F. INSOLUBLE IN ALCOHOL AND ETHER EXCEPT PROLINE AND HYDROXYPROLINE G. MOST ARE SWEET EXCEPT LEUCINE (TASTELESS) AND ARGININE (BITTER) BIOMEDICAL IMPORTANCE OF AMINO ACIDS  a. Support infant growth or maintain health in adults b. In the form of proteins, amino acids perform a multitude of structural, hormonal, and catalytic functions essential to life c. L-amino acids and their derivatives participate in intracellular functions (such as, nerve transmission, regulation of cell growth, and biosynthesis of porphyrins, purines, pyrimidines, and urea) d. L-alpha-amino acids in low-molecular weight peptides play additional roles as hormones e. D- and L-alpha-amino acids are present in polypeptide antibiotics elaborated by microorganisms