Hi, Jasang. I would be glad to be of assistance. I am probably not the only
person that will reply, but I will be glad to help if you choose. I am a
junior biology major in college, just so you know my credentials. My email is
Baron0805 at aol.com.
To answer your intial question. You have it backwards. Proteins (more
correctly polypeptides) are formed from amino acids. There are about 3 parts
to an amino acid:
1. amino group
2. carboxyl group
3. R group
Every amino acid contains these three parts. There are 20 amino acids that are
biologically important. I won't name all of them, but you can find them in a
biology book. The amino group contains a Nitrogen with 2 hydrogens bonded to
it. The nitrogen is bonded to a carbon. That carbon (we'll call it carbon 2)
is bonded to an R group, a hydrogen (in biological amino acids), and the
carboxyl group. The R group is what makes the amino acid special. It is what
gives it it's chemical properties and other things that are special to that
particular amino acid. Next, the carboxyl group is a Carbon that is
double-bonded to an oxygen and an -OH group. The carboxyl group, as stated
before, is bonded to the number 2 carbon. So, you have an amino group bonded
to the number 2 carbon which is bonded to the carboxyl group. The number 2
carbon also has a hydrogen (biological amino acids) and an R group (gives the
amino acid its uniqueness) attached to it. As far as it's function. I don't
believe that it has a major function by itself. It's main function is to form
polypeptides. Amino acids form long and sometimes, very very long chains. I
won't dive too deep into amino acids. There is a lot of things that I can tell
you about, but I will wait for your questions. I appreciate this offer. You
know my email address. If you would like some more info or another question
answered, I will do the best I can.
Thanks,
Baron
Question everything!!!!
