Amino Acid Definition
aminoacid, aminoacids
noun
An organic compound containing an amino group (NH2 ), a carboxylic acid group (COOH), and any of various side groups, especially any of the twenty compounds that have the basic formula NH2 CHRCOOH, and that link together by peptide bonds to form proteins or that function as chemical messengers and as intermediates in metabolism.
American Heritage
Any of a large group of organic acids containing a carboxyl group, COOH, and an amino group, NH2
Webster's New World
Any of the amino acids, usually about 20, that link together into polypeptide chains to form proteins that are necessary for all life: in general, they are water-soluble, crystalline, amphoteric electrolytes having mirror-image isomeric forms with right and left optical activity: ten of these (essential amino acids) cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be consumed.
Webster's New World
Any of various compounds containing an amino group (NH2 ), a carboxylic acid group (COOH), and a distinctive side chain, especially any of the 20 amino acids that link together to form proteins. Some amino acids (called nonessential) can be synthesized in the human body, while others (called essential) must be obtained through the diet.
American Heritage Medicine
Other Word Forms of Amino Acid
Noun
Singular:
amino acid
Plural:
amino-acids
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