There are 20 amino acids present in the human body.
Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids
These 20 amino acids are fundamental building blocks of proteins, crucial for various bodily functions. As stated in the provided reference, these are categorized into two groups:
- Essential Amino Acids: These cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet.
- Non-Essential Amino Acids: These can be synthesized by the body.
These two groups, combined, account for the total of 20 amino acids utilized in human physiology.
Importance of Amino Acids
Amino acids are vital for:
- Building proteins.
- Synthesizing hormones.
- Creating neurotransmitters.
- Supporting the immune system.
- Facilitating various metabolic processes.
Summary Table of the 20 Amino Acids
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Essential | Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine |
| Non-Essential | Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Glutamic acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine, Tyrosine |
Understanding the roles of these 20 amino acids is key to understanding how our bodies function. They are responsible for a myriad of complex processes essential for life, from muscle growth and repair to the synthesis of critical biological molecules.
