There are 20 amino acids found in human proteins.
These 20 amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins in the human body. They are categorized into two main groups based on whether or not the body can produce them:
- Essential Amino Acids: These are the 9 amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained through diet.
- Non-Essential Amino Acids: These are the remaining 11 amino acids that the body can produce from other molecules.
While the classification of essential and non-essential amino acids is significant, all 20 are required for protein synthesis. They combine in various sequences and numbers to produce the thousands of different proteins that perform essential functions in the human body.
Summary Table
| Category | Number | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Total Amino Acids | 20 | Alanine, Leucine |
| Essential Amino Acids | 9 | Lysine, Threonine |
| Non-Essential Amino Acids | 11 | Glutamic Acid, Aspartate |
Therefore, the total count of amino acids that make up human proteins is always 20.
