The following points highlight the fourteen important functions of amino acids. (1) They are building blocks of proteins and enzymes. (2) Storage of nitrogen occurs in the form of amides. (3) Amino acid glycine provides nitrogen and carbon atoms for the synthesis of protoporphyrin and heme (= haem). (4) Tryptophan produces plant hormone indole 3-acetic acid or IAA and vitamin [...]
The below mentioned article provides a study note on the Amino Acids. They are organic acids (with carboxylic group —COOH) having amino group (—NH2) generally attached to a-carbon or carbon next to the carboxylic group. Carboxylic group provides an acidic property to the amino acid while amino group gives it a basic reaction. The a-carbon also bears a variable hydrocarbon [...]
The following points highlight the top three ways for separating amino acids from peptides. The ways are: 1. Paper Chromatography 2. Electrophoresis 3. Ion Exchange Chromatography. Separating Amino Acids from Peptides: Way # 1. Paper Chromatography: a. A small volume (about 0.005 ml containing about 0.01 mg) of amino acid is applied at a marked point 5 cm from the [...]