α-Amino acid

α-Amino acids are organic compounds characterized by having an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) attached to the same carbon atom, referred to as the α-carbon. These amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and peptides, essential for various biological processes in living organisms. The general structure of α-amino acids includes a central carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, an amino group, a carboxylic acid group, and a side chain (R group) that varies among different amino acids, imparting unique chemical properties. α-Amino acids can be classified into essential, non-essential, and conditional types based on dietary requirements and metabolic roles. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet, while non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.