What is amino acid?
Amino acids are an organic compound and the basic building blocks of biological macromolecule proteins. They are divided into protein amino acids and non-protein amino acids. Protein amino acids are amino acids that directly participate in the synthesis of protein molecules in the body, while non-protein amino acids cannot directly participate in the synthesis of protein molecules and need to be modified before they can participate. Common amino acids include glycine, alanine, leucine, tryptophan, serine, tyrosine, valine, isoleucine, methionine, proline, cysteine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, threonine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, arginine, and histidine.
Amino acids cannot be directly utilized in the human body. They need to be digested by enzymes to break down high-molecular-weight proteins into low-molecular-weight polypeptides or amino acids. They are then absorbed in the small intestine and enter the liver. Some of the amino acids are then broken down and synthesized into proteins, while the other half are distributed to various organs and tissues through the blood to synthesize various tissue proteins.
what is the function of amino acids?
Amino acids, as the building blocks of macromolecular proteins, not only synthesize and build proteins in organisms, but also participate in metabolism and regulate physiological functions in the body, playing an important role in human health and normal physiological functions.
1.Protein synthesis：The human body needs 20 kinds of amino acids to synthesize various proteins, and proteins are very important for the body's cell structure, physiological functions and tissue and organ repair.
2.Physiological regulation：Amino acids participate in the physiological regulation of the body. Some amino acids can be converted into neurotransmitters such as dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine, which play a key role in the normal function of the nervous system.
3.Immune function：Amino acids participate in the synthesis of antibodies, cytokines and immune molecules in the body. These substances have an inhibitory effect on pathogens and are very helpful in maintaining the functioning of the immune system and maintaining good health.
4.Energy supply：Amino acids can be converted into energy through metabolism in the human body and are very important for supporting physical activities.
5.Maintaining acid-base balance：Some amino acids can release hydrogen ions in the body to help maintain normal blood pH and ensure a stable physiological environment.
