Biology :: Macromolecules :: Structure of an Amino Acid
"Can you please explain the structure of an Amino Acid, and why is it important?"

Amino acids are a group of organic molecules that consist of a basic amino group (−NH2), an acidic carboxyl group (−COOH), and an organic R group (or side chain) that is unique to each amino acid.​​​
    Why is the structure of Amino acid important:
  1. Amino acids are organic molecules that, when linked together with other amino acids, form a protein.
  2. Amino acids are essential to life because the proteins they form are involved in virtually all cell functions.
  3. Some proteins function as enzymes, some as antibodies, while others provide structural support.
  4. Proteins are built as chains of amino acids, which then fold into unique three-dimensional shapes. Bonding within protein molecules helps stabilize their structure, and the final folded forms of proteins are well-adapted for their functions.

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