Proteins account for more than 50% of the dry weight of most cells. Proteins are critical macromolecules because protein function controls everything imaginable in the body: structural support; storage; transport of other substances; signaling from one part of an organism to another; movement; defense against foreign substances.

amino acids and amino acid structure
It’s easy to see why proteins are the most sophisticated molecules known. Though they vary so widely in structure, shape and function, they all come from the same set of 20 amino acids. Amino acids are THE chemical building blocks the body uses to construct every protein. Amino acids are small molecules, each with the same simple structure: a central carbon atom, to which an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a functional group are bonded. The 20 amino acids differ from one another by the identity of their functional group and by polarity. This is the chemistry and biology of amino acid structure that defines so much about our bodies.
protein function linked to amino acid structure
An individual protein is made by linking particular amino acids together in a specific order, as a word is made by linking a specific sequence of letters. Bonding two amino acids is called a peptide bond. Long chains of amino acids are called polypeptides. Polypeptides can be long thin strands, or globular when the long strands fold back on themselves or intertwine with other polypeptides. The shape of the protein and the sequence of amino acids determine the protein’s function. The answer to the question, “what are amino acids” beyond that they are simple building blocks, is that the linking of amino acids to form more complicated, sequenced amino acid structures, that then combine with other amino acid structures, to form and determine protein structure, is what drives and affects the building and repair of bones, muscles and body cells; control of metabolism and movement; and our energy sources, among other things.
essential amino acids
Every athlete needs more protein than anyone else. Every body needs 20 amino acids to make proteins. Humans are unable to manufacture 8 of the 20 amino acids: lysine, tryptophan, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine and valine. Because the body can’t store amino acids, these 8 essential amino acids must be gotten from food or supplements every day. With an adequate supply of complete proteins, the body can synthesize the other 12 amino acids from the 8 essential ones.
branch chain amino acids
Abundant in whey protein, branch chain amino acids are critical to skeletal muscles and protein synthesis. Skeletal muscles are the major sites for protein synthesis and degradation. BCAAs are important for athletes, since unlike other essential amino acids, they are metabolized directly into muscle tissue and are the first ones used and depleted during exercise. The body requires higher amounts of branched chain amino acids during and following exercise to fuel the repairing and rebuilding of lean muscle. Low BCAA levels contribute to fatigue. BCAA’s in the blood minimize skeletal muscle breakdown. Good quality whey protein will ensure a ready supply.
If you still don’t understand amino acids or protein structure, at least understand their importance and astounding versatility!! They’re like the finest quality polymer human legos that bring everything in our sophisticated bodies to life!!!!
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amino acids and amino acid structure
It’s easy to see why proteins are the most sophisticated molecules known. Though they vary so widely in structure, shape and function, they all come from the same set of 20 amino acids. Amino acids are THE chemical building blocks the body uses to construct every protein. Amino acids are small molecules, each with the same simple structure: a central carbon atom, to which an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a functional group are bonded. The 20 amino acids differ from one another by the identity of their functional group and by polarity. This is the chemistry and biology of amino acid structure that defines so much about our bodies.
protein function linked to amino acid structure
An individual protein is made by linking particular amino acids together in a specific order, as a word is made by linking a specific sequence of letters. Bonding two amino acids is called a peptide bond. Long chains of amino acids are called polypeptides. Polypeptides can be long thin strands, or globular when the long strands fold back on themselves or intertwine with other polypeptides. The shape of the protein and the sequence of amino acids determine the protein’s function. The answer to the question, “what are amino acids” beyond that they are simple building blocks, is that the linking of amino acids to form more complicated, sequenced amino acid structures, that then combine with other amino acid structures, to form and determine protein structure, is what drives and affects the building and repair of bones, muscles and body cells; control of metabolism and movement; and our energy sources, among other things.
essential amino acids
Every athlete needs more protein than anyone else. Every body needs 20 amino acids to make proteins. Humans are unable to manufacture 8 of the 20 amino acids: lysine, tryptophan, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine and valine. Because the body can’t store amino acids, these 8 essential amino acids must be gotten from food or supplements every day. With an adequate supply of complete proteins, the body can synthesize the other 12 amino acids from the 8 essential ones.
branch chain amino acids
Abundant in whey protein, branch chain amino acids are critical to skeletal muscles and protein synthesis. Skeletal muscles are the major sites for protein synthesis and degradation. BCAAs are important for athletes, since unlike other essential amino acids, they are metabolized directly into muscle tissue and are the first ones used and depleted during exercise. The body requires higher amounts of branched chain amino acids during and following exercise to fuel the repairing and rebuilding of lean muscle. Low BCAA levels contribute to fatigue. BCAA’s in the blood minimize skeletal muscle breakdown. Good quality whey protein will ensure a ready supply.
If you still don’t understand amino acids or protein structure, at least understand their importance and astounding versatility!! They’re like the finest quality polymer human legos that bring everything in our sophisticated bodies to life!!!!


Amino Acids
