Use of Amino Acids

Aspartame (aspartyl-phenylalanine-1-methyl ester) is an artificial sweetener. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) has been used to treat neurological problems associated with PKU (phenylketonuria), as well as depression. L-DOPA (L-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is a drug used to treat Parkinsonism. Monosodium glutamate is a food additive to enhance flavor.

OTHER CLASSIFICATION OF AMINO ACIDS

According to the number of carboxyl and amino group a. Acidic Amino Acid more COOH than NH2 group (e.g. Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid) b. Basic Amino Acid more NH2 than COOH group (e.g. Lysine, Histidine) c. Neutral Amino Acid one COOH group and one NH2 group (e.g. Alanine, Phenyl alanine)

Amino Acid (AA)-Protein

Amino acids: basic unit
Peptides: amino acid chain, containing 2 or more AA. Polypeptides: containing less than 50 AA. Protein: > 50 AA.
Peptides (from the Greek , "digestible"), are formed through condensation of amino acids through peptide bonds.

Peptide bond: a chemical bond formed between two

AA - the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of the other amino acid, releasing a molecule of water (H2O). This is a condensation (also called dehydration synthesis) reaction.

Proteins
Proteins are essential to the structure and function of all living cells and viruses. They can be classified into:
- Structural proteins: glycoprotein - Catalytic proteins: enzymes - Transport proteins: hemoglobin - Regulatory proteins: hormones (insulin, growth hormone) - Protective proteins: antibodies