Essential amino acids are organic compounds primarily made of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
While all amino acids share this basic composition, what distinguishes them is the side chain, or R-group, attached to the central carbon atom. This R-group varies for each of the 20 amino acids (including the 9 essential ones), determining its unique properties and functions.
Here's a breakdown:
- Carbon (C): Forms the backbone of the molecule.
- Hydrogen (H): Attaches to the carbon and other atoms.
- Oxygen (O): Present in the carboxyl group (-COOH).
- Nitrogen (N): Found in the amino group (-NH2), which is crucial for the "amino" part of the name.
- R-group (Side Chain): This is the variable group that differentiates each amino acid. It can contain different combinations of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
In summary, the basic structure of an essential amino acid includes nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms arranged in a specific way, with a unique R-group attached to the central carbon. This R-group determines the amino acid's specific chemical properties and its role in protein structure and function.
