Amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 naturally occurring amino acids. Amino acids exist in proteins as L-optical isomers, however they can extist as D-isomers in isolated examples. E.g. some bacterial cell walls contain D-isomers.

Amino acids can also be characterized as polar or non-polar, these dictate the amino acid function. There are 10 non-polar amino acids, these are found in protein core. There are also 10 polar amino acids, these have enzymatic roles, they can be used to bind DNA, metals and other naturally occuring ligands. There are essential amino acids and non essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are the ones that the body cannot synthesise on its own. These amino acids have to be supplied to the body via daily diet. the non-essential ones, that can be synthesis by the body.