amino acids – molecules that combine to form proteins

(Pronounced uh-mee-noh a-sids)

To remember the meaning of amino acids, use the following mnemonic:

A mean old man poured acid (amino acid) on my protein drink.

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids commonly found in proteins, each with specific properties which influence how the amino acids behave and interact with other molecules. Nine of these amino acids are considered essential because the human body cannot produce them and they must be obtained though diet, while the remaining 11 are non-essential as the body can synthesize them. Amino acids link together, creating long chains that fold into functional proteins. These proteins are crucial for virtually all biological processes, including enzyme function, structural support, transport, and immune responses, making amino acids fundamental to life.