amino acid — any of a group of organic compounds that contain amino and carboxyl functional groups and serve as the building blocks of proteins
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: any of a group of organic compounds that contain amino and carboxyl functional groups and serve as the building blocks of proteins
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈmiːnoʊ ˈæsɪd/
Example Sentences
- Bodybuilders love amino acids more than they love looking in mirrors.
- The human body can produce 11 of the 20 amino acids needed for protein synthesis.
- Scientists discovered that this rare amino acid makes vegetables taste like chocolate.
amino acid
NOUN[/əˈmiːnoʊ ˈæsɪd/]
any of a group of organic compounds that contain amino and carboxyl functional groups and serve as the building blocks of proteins
Amino acids link together like beads to build proteins inside every living cell.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term 'amino acid' was coined in 1898 to describe organic compounds containing both an amino group (derived from ammonia) and a carboxylic acid group. Chemists created this compound term to designate the fundamental building blocks of proteins, combining 'amino' (a nitrogen-containing functional group) with 'acid' (the acidic carboxyl component).
Breakdown
amino- (from ammonia-derived nitrogen compound) + acid (from Latin acidus, sour). The 'amino' component refers to the -NH2 group bonded to carbon, while 'acid' denotes the -COOH carboxylic acid group present in these molecules.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Bodybuilders love amino acids more than they love looking in mirrors.”
“The human body can produce 11 of the 20 amino acids needed for protein synthesis.”
“Scientists discovered that this rare amino acid makes vegetables taste like chocolate.”
“Amino acid deficiency can lead to various health problems including muscle weakness.”
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