Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They play a crucial role in various biological processes and are involved in the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, an amino group (–NH₂), a carboxyl group (–COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group (side chain) that distinguishes one amino acid from another.
### Key Points about