Principles of Biochemistry (2+1)

4.2.4 Functions of Amino Acid

Amino acids occupy a central position is cellular metabolism since all biochemical reaction are catalysed by enzymes composed of amino acids. Amino acids are essential for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, for synthesis of tissue proteins and many important compounds-Adrenalin, thyroxin, melanin, histamine, porphyrins- haemoglobin, pyrimidines and purines nucleic acids, choline, folic acid and nicotinic acid, vitamins and taurine and as a metabolic source of energy or fuel.