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3.6.Amino Acids
Unit 3 - Proteins and Amino acids
3.6.Amino Acids
Although over 100 different amino acids have been isolated from biological materials, only 25 of these are commonly found in proteins. Individual amino acids are characterised by having an acidic carboxy group (COOH) and a basic nitrogenous group (NH2). In view of the presence of both acidic and basic groups, amino acids are amphoteric (ie. Have both acidic and basic properties) and consequently act as buffers by resisting changes in pH.
The chemical structure of the more commonly occurring amino acids is shown below:
Last modified: Tuesday, 30 August 2011, 8:59 AM