Amino Acid
Amino acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group), all bonded to a central alpha-carbon. There are 20 standard amino acids encoded by the genetic code, each distinguished by its unique R group which determines its chemical properties — hydrophobic, hydrophilic, charged, or aromatic.
In peptide research, amino acids are classified by their side chain properties. Nonpolar amino acids (alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline) contribute to structural stability. Polar amino acids (serine, threonine, asparagine, glutamine) participate in hydrogen bonding. Charged amino acids (aspartate, glutamate, lysine, arginine, histidine) influence solubility and receptor interactions.
The single-letter and three-letter codes (e.g., G/Gly for glycine, A/Ala for alanine) are standard notation in peptide sequence descriptions. Modified amino acids — such as D-amino acids, N-methylated residues, and non-natural amino acids — are frequently incorporated into synthetic research peptides to alter stability, receptor selectivity, or resistance to enzymatic degradation.
All Healthy Aminos products are for research use only.
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Related Terms
Amino Acid Sequence
The linear order of amino acid residues in a peptide or protein chain, written from N-terminus to C-terminus, which determines the molecule's identity and properties.
Peptide Bond
A covalent chemical bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another through a condensation reaction, linking amino acids into chains.
N-Terminus
The end of a peptide chain with a free amino group (-NH2), conventionally written as the first residue in a sequence.
C-Terminus
The end of a peptide chain with a free carboxyl group (-COOH), conventionally written as the last residue in a sequence.
Research Use Only
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Products sold by Healthy Aminos are intended strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved. By purchasing from Healthy Aminos, the buyer acknowledges that these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All products are sold as reference standards and research chemicals only.