Classification of Amino Acids
Classification of Amino Acids 1. Polar Amino Acids: - Definition : Polar amino acids are characterized by side chains containing polar functional groups such as hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), and carboxyl (-COOH) groups. - Solubility: Polar amino acids are soluble in aqueous environments due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. - Examples: Serine, threonine, tyrosine, asparagine, glutamine. Functions-: - Hydroxyl groups in side chains facilitate hydrogen bonding, contributing to protein folding and stability. - Polar amino acids often participate in ligand binding and enzyme catalysis through interactions with substrates and cofactors. - Importance: Polar amino acids are essential for the structural integrity and functional diversity of proteins, playing critical roles in biological processes such as signal transduction, immune response, and metabolism. 2. Non-Polar Amino Acids: ...
