In this article we will discuss about the colorimetric method for estimation of amino acids in plants. Principle: Amino acid content can be estimated quantitatively by Colorimetric method using ninhydrin reagent. The reaction of ninhydrin (triketohydrindene hydrate) with amino acids is of particular importance in the regard. Ninhydrin is a powerful oxidizing agent and elicits the oxidative deamination of the [...]
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 [...]