An amino acid is the smallest molecular component that makes up proteins. Amino acids are made up of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. In addition to these atoms, some amino acids (methionine and cysteine) also contain sulfur. There are twenty primary amino acids that are found in proteins. Amino acids have many benefits including: -Build and repair muscles and bones -Repair of body cells -Provide a source of energy -Regulate various processes in the body related to metabolism Amino acids are linked together (like beads in a chain) via amide bonds, also called peptide bonds, to form proteins. All proteins are made up of the twenty primary amino acids, in various combinations. A protein molecule can have thousands of amino acids in different combinations, thereby giving the proteins unique properties. The quality of protein varies. High-quality, complete protein sources include animal-based proteins. These proteins contain all eight essential amino acids the body needs to build and maintain muscle and to function well. Protein found in most plant foods is considered incomplete protein because it lacks some of the essential amino acids needed daily.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 02:30:00 +0000
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