Amino Acid

Biochem 306
Ms Shazaf Gul
Amino Acids
The basic building blocks of proteins are Amino acids.
Amino acids are organic molecules.
More than 300 amino acids exists in nature (only 20 found in proteins).
It can form various different links with each other due to the versatile nature of
carbon.
This enables the great diversity of proteins that can be found in nature.
These are essential nutrients in our diet because of the functions they perform.
Structure of Amino Acid
Mechanism of Protein Formation
Classification of Amino Acids
Amino Acids
Standard Non-Standard
Amino Acids Amino Acids
Standard Amino Acids
“Those (22) amino acids that are required for protein formation in plants and
animals are called standard amino acids (proteinogenic)”
Among those, 20 amino acids are encoded by universal genetic code.
Two amino acids are incorporated into proteins by unique synthetic mechanism
. Selenocysteine (encoded by UGA)
i. Pyrolysine (encoded by UAG)
(Assignment on these 2 amino acids)
Structure of Selenocysteine and Pyrolysine
Functions of Selenocysteine
Antioxidant activity
Used in preparation of Vitamins and supplements.
Fortified with livestock feeds.
Used in the preparation of selenium ( prevent mercury toxicity and enhance liver
functions).
Functions of Pyrolysine
Not found in humans
Found in methanogenic archea and eubacteria.
Biosynthesis of some protein.

Classification of Standard Amino Acids
Amino acids have been classified on the basis of;

1. Nutritional requirements
2. Structure
3. Polarity
4. Charge
Essential and Non-essential Amino Acids
 On the basis of nutritional requirements, standard amino acids have been
classified into two groups;
1. Essential amino acids
Cannot be synthesized within the body.
Required for proper growth and maintenance of individuals.
2. Non-essential amino acids

Synthesized within the body.
Required for biological needs.
Conditionally Essential Amino Acids
Limited synthesis of non-essential Amino Acids
Inadequate to meet body’s needs
So non essential amino acids become conditionally essential
Under certain conditions
Surgery
wounds
thermal injury
Classification on the Basis of Polarity
Classification on the Basis of Charge
Non- Standard Amino Acids
Amino acids that are ;
Not found in proteins commonly (Carnitine, GABA)
nor produced directly or in isolation by standard cellular machinery

are known as non-standard amino acids (non-proteinogenic)
e.g hydroxyproline
Difference Between Standard and Non-
Standard Amino Acids
Amino Acid as an Amphoteric Compound
Soluble in polar solvents.
Shows both acidic and basic properties;
COOH as proton donator.
NH2 as proton Acceptor.
Acidic Properties:
Salt formation, ester formation with alcohols, amide formation with amines and
decarboxylation.
Basic Properties:
Deamination reaction and reaction with Ninhydrin reagent (blue colored product).
Acidic Role of Amino Acids
Carboxylic acids are traditional Lowery-Bronsted acids, donating a proton in
aqueous solution.
The pKa for caroboxylic acids is normally around 2 to 5. That is, the pH at which
these acids are 50% ionized:
R-COOH  R-COO- + H+
pH = [less than 2]  [above 5]

Basic Role of Amino Acids
Amino groups function as bases, accepting a proton.
The pKa for amino groups is usually around 9 – 10. Again, at the pKa these
groups are 50% ionized:
R-NH3+  R-NH2 + H+
pH= [below 8]  [above 9]

Importance of Amino Acids
Building blocks of protein.
Supports gluconeogenesis in fasting and starvation.
Acts as buffer.
Participates in synthesis of special products; neurotransmitters, hormones, purine,

pyrimidine and heme group etc.
Isoelectric Point
“The Point (pH value) at which the net charge on an amino acid
becomes zero”
pH = 7.4
Movement of AA in an electric field has stopped.
Indicated by pI.
Zwitterionic form (hybrid).
Zwitterionic Form of Amino Acid
At low pH, proton concentration [H+]is high. Therefore, both amines and
carboxylic acids are protonated. (-NH3+ & -COOH)
At high pH, proton concentration is low. Therefore, both amines and carboxylic
acids are deprotonated. (-NH2 & -COO-)
At neutral pH, amines are protonated(-NH3+) and carboxylates are deprotonated(-

COO-)

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Biochem 306

Among those, 20 amino acids are encoded by universal genetic code.

Used in preparation of Vitamins and supplements.

Fortified with livestock feeds.

Found in methanogenic archea and eubacteria.

Biosynthesis of some protein.

Amino acids have been classified on the basis of;

2. Non-essential amino acids

nor produced directly or in isolation by standard cellular machinery

pH = [less than 2]  [above 5]

pH= [below 8]  [above 9]

Supports gluconeogenesis in fasting and starvation.

Participates in synthesis of special products; neurotransmitters, hormones, purine,

At neutral pH, amines are protonated(-NH3+) and carboxylates are deprotonated(-

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