For the full functioning of the human body, the performance of all functions, it is necessary to consume foods enriched with proteins, fats, carbohydrates. Proteins and proteins are components of cells, so a person needs protein food. What are amino acids? The biochemistry of these compounds is an important issue that deserves detailed consideration and study.
Features of amino acids
These compounds are essential for the synthesis of protein molecules. In nature, there are more than one hundred and fifty different amino acids, but not all of them are vital for the human body. What exactly do we need amino acids? The biochemistry of 20 such compounds has been studied in detail by domestic and foreign scientists. It turned out that twelve of them are able to be synthesized inside the human body, and only eight amino acids a person should receive from food.
Classification
Let's look at some amino acids. Biochemistry, the classification of these organic compounds involves the allocation of three main groups:
- essential, obtained with food. These substances cannot be synthesized inhuman body;
- replaceable, formed in the body, getting into it along with protein food;
- conditionally replaceable, produced from irreplaceable compounds.
Basic Features
What are the physical and chemical properties of amino acids? The biochemistry of these compounds gives an idea of their main characteristics. Amino acids have high melting points, are highly soluble in water, and have a crystalline form.
What else characterizes amino acids? Biochemistry, their formulas indicate the presence in the molecules of carbon, which has optical activity.
Chemical characteristics
Their biochemistry is of interest. Amino acids are peptides of the primary structure. It is when several amino acid residues are combined into one linear structure that a protein molecule is synthesized. When a person consumes glycine in the form of powder or tablets, there is a quick and easy entry of organic matter into the blood. Their biochemistry is of interest. Amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, fats are substances that are necessary for the functioning of a living organism. With their lack, various diseases occur.
Amino acids are amphoteric compounds with dual chemical properties.
Biological significance
This class of nitrogen-containing compounds is responsible for the synthesis of protein molecules in the human body. In case of its deficiency, serious problems with the nervous system arise. What else is importantfor the body amino acids? The biochemistry of these amphoteric compounds explains their importance for glycogen biosynthesis in the liver. Its insufficient amount leads to serious diseases. Among the main reasons for the lack of 20 essential amino acids, doctors call malnutrition, alcohol abuse, systematic stressful situations. In order to prevent depletion of the body (to avoid protein starvation), it is necessary to include dairy, meat, and soy products in food.
Duality of properties
What features do amino acids have? The biochemistry of these compounds is explained by the presence of two functional groups in the molecules. These chemical compounds have a carboxyl (acid) COOH group, and are also amines. Such structural features explain their chemical capabilities.
Similarity with organic and mineral acids is manifested in reactions with active metals, basic oxides, alkalis, s alts of weak acids. In addition, amino acids are able to enter into chemical interaction with alcohols, forming esters. The presence of the amino group explains their interaction with acids by the donor-acceptor bond mechanism.
Classification and nomenclature
Depending on the location of the carboxyl group, it is possible to divide these organic compounds into alpha, beta, amino acids. In this case, the numbering of the carbon atom begins with the carbon following the acidgroups.
In organic chemistry, amino acids are distinguished by the number of functional groups: basic, neutral, acidic.
Depending on the nature of the hydrocarbon radical, it is customary to subdivide all amino acids into fatty (aliphatic), heterocyclic, aromatic, and sulfur-containing compounds. An example of an aromatic amino acid is 2 aminobenzoic acid.
According to the systematic nomenclature, when naming this class of organic compounds, indicate the position of the amino group with a number, then add the name of the carbon chain, which includes a carboxyl group. The Greek alphabet is used if the amino acid is named according to trivial nomenclature.
If there are two functional (amino groups) in the molecule, qualifying prefixes are used in the name: diamino-, triamino-. For polybasic amino acids, triol or diolic acid is added in the name.
Features of isomerism and obtaining amino acids
Given the specifics of the chemical structure of representatives of this class of organic substances, there are several types of isomerism. Similar to carboxylic acids, in these amphoteric compounds, there are isomers of the carbon skeleton.
It is also possible to compose isomers with different positions of the functional amino group. Of interest is the optical isomerism of this class, which makes it possible to explain their biological significance for living organisms.
Aminocaproic acid acts as a feedstock for the synthesis of capron. By hydrolysis, you can get 25 importantamino acids. There are certain problems associated with the separation of the resulting mixture of amphoteric compounds. In addition to the hydrolysis of protein molecules, amino acids can be synthesized by the interaction of halogenated acids according to the Gel-Volhard-Zelinsky reaction.
Amino acids are formed during the processes of hydrolysis of proteins that make up food products. It is these substances that are the building blocks, thanks to which the alignment of plant and animal proteins occurs, the saturation of the body with the most important components for its full life.
For example, in case of severe exhaustion of the body caused by a major operation, the patient is prescribed a special course of amino acids. With the help of glutamic acid, the treatment of nervous diseases is carried out, with stomach ulcers, the use of histidine is necessary. In agriculture, amino acids are used as animal feed to stimulate their growth and development.
Conclusion
Amino acids are amphoteric organic compounds that play an important role in the life of humans and animals. With an insufficient amount of one of the most important amino acids, serious he alth problems appear. A complete protein diet is especially important in adolescence, as well as for those people who experience constant physical activity, are actively involved in sports.
