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Amino acids and nitrogen-containing compounds

Amino acids and nitrogen-containing compounds are fundamental organic molecules crucial to various biological processes and structural components in living organisms. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a central carbon atom (alpha carbon). They differ in their side chains (R groups), which confer unique chemical properties to each amino acid. Amino acids are classified as essential (must be obtained from diet) or non-essential (can be synthesized by the body). Beyond protein synthesis, amino acids also serve as precursors for neurotransmitters, hormones, and metabolic intermediates. Nitrogen-containing compounds encompass a broader category that includes molecules like amines, amides, nitrites, and nitro compounds. These compounds play diverse roles in biology and chemistry, from serving as crucial components in nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and vitamins to functioning as signaling molecules in cellular communication.
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