Biology
Amino Acid
Amino acids are organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of peptides and proteins, with 20 standard amino acids encoded by the genetic code.
Detailed Explanation
Each amino acid consists of an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a variable side chain (R-group) that determines its chemical properties. In peptides, amino acids are linked through peptide bonds formed by condensation reactions. The sequence of amino acids determines the peptide's three-dimensional structure and biological function.