amino acids

Definition

Amino acids are like the letters of the alphabet, and proteins are like words. Proteins are made up of amino acids that are linked together in a specific order.

How can the word be used?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for life.

Different forms of the word

Noun: amino acid.

Adjective: amino acid.

Plural: amino acids.

Synonyms: protein building blocks, essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids.

Antonyms: none.

Etymology

The word "amino acid" is derived from the Greek words amino (meaning "having an amine group") and acid (meaning "sour"). The first amino acid was discovered in 1806 by the French chemist Pierre Jean Robiquet. He named it "asparagine" after the asparagus plant, from which he isolated it.

Question

How many amino acids are there?