Description: Amino acids are organic compounds that play a fundamental role in biology, as they are the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid is composed of an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a specific side chain that varies among different amino acids. This side chain determines the chemical and functional properties of each amino acid, which in turn influences the structure and function of the proteins they form. There are a total of 20 standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to form proteins, each with specific functions in living organisms. Amino acids can be classified as essential, which must be obtained through the diet, and non-essential, which the body can synthesize. In addition to their role in protein synthesis, amino acids also participate in various metabolic functions and are precursors to bioactive molecules, such as neurotransmitters and hormones. Their study is crucial in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, where amino acid sequences are analyzed to understand protein structure and function, as well as their interactions in complex biological processes.
History: The term ‘amino acid’ was coined in the 19th century when compounds containing both amino and carboxyl groups were first identified. One of the first amino acids to be isolated was glycine, in 1820, by the German chemist Henri Braconnot. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, other amino acids were discovered, and in 1901, the German chemist Emil Fischer was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on the structure of amino acids and proteins. The understanding of the relationship between amino acids and proteins was solidified in the 1950s when the structure of DNA was elucidated and the genetic code was established, determining how amino acids are assembled into proteins.
Uses: Amino acids have multiple applications in various fields. In nutrition, they are essential for protein synthesis in the human body and are used as dietary supplements to enhance athletic performance and muscle recovery. In medicine, some amino acids are used in treatments for metabolic disorders and diseases. In the food industry, they are employed as additives to improve the flavor and texture of products. In bioinformatics, amino acids are fundamental for the analysis of protein sequences and the prediction of protein structures, aiding in drug design and biomedical research.
Examples: A practical example of amino acid use is the supplementation with BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) in athletes, which is used to enhance muscle recovery and reduce fatigue. Another example is the use of L-arginine in treatments to improve blood circulation and cardiovascular function. In bioinformatics, the analysis of the amino acid sequence of hemoglobin has allowed for an understanding of its role in oxygen transport in the blood.
