Each of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids shares a common core structure: a central alpha-carbon atom bonded to an amino group ( ), a carboxyl group ( ), a hydrogen atom, and a unique (side chain).
: They link together through peptide bonds to form long chains called polypeptides, which then fold into complex 3D structures to become functional proteins. Nutritional Classification Amino acids : biochemistry and nutrition
From a nutritional standpoint, amino acids are categorized based on the body's ability to synthesize them: Each of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids shares