Amino acids

Definition

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins, which are crucial for the structure and function of living organisms. They play a key role in processes such as the synthesis of enzymes and hormones.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are 20 standard amino acids that make up proteins in living organisms.
2. Amino acids can be categorized into essential and non-essential types, with essential ones needing to be obtained from food.
3. The presence of amino acids in extraterrestrial environments is considered a potential indicator of life.
4. Amino acids have been found on meteorites, suggesting that these building blocks of life could be widespread in the universe.
5. The Miller-Urey experiment demonstrated that amino acids could be synthesized from simple chemical reactions under conditions thought to resemble those of early Earth.

Review Questions

• What role do amino acids play in the structure and function of living organisms?
• Why is the discovery of amino acids on meteorites significant for astrobiology?
• What was demonstrated by the Miller-Urey experiment regarding amino acids?

Related terms

Proteins:

Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids, essential for various biological functions.

Miller-Urey Experiment:

An experiment that simulated early Earth conditions and demonstrated the abiotic synthesis of organic compounds including amino acids.

Extraterrestrial Life: Life forms that may exist outside Earth, potentially indicated by the presence of organic molecules like amino acids.