![]() When something gives up an H⁺ ( proton) we say it acts as an acid, and when something takes a proton, we say it acts as a base. Or, if it gives up that H⁺, it now has a “carboxylate group” (C=O)-O⁻. It can be in the form of a carboxylic acid group – a carbonyl (C=O) attached to an -OH. A lot of times the terms are used pretty willy-nilly, but the naming difference has to do with whether or not its side chain is “protonated.” All free amino acids have at least one carboxyl group in the generic part, attached to the central carbon, Cα. You’ll see this amino acid listed as aspartate or aspartic acid. So, today let’s look at Aspartic acid/aspartate (Asp, D)įirst, let’s clear up that naming thing. And we can get a better appreciation and understanding of proteins if we look at those letters. Those generic parts are attached to a central “alpha carbon” (Ca), which is also attached to one of 20 unique side chains (“R groups”) which have different properties (big, small, hydrophilic (water-loving), hydrophobic (water-avoided), etc.) & proteins have different combos of them, so the proteins have different properties. The reason for the “2 options” in parentheses is that these groups’ protonation state (how many protons (H⁺ ) they have) depends on the pH (which is a measure of how many free H⁺ are around to take).⠀ More on amino acids in general here but the basic overview is: amino acids have generic “amino” (NH₃⁺/NH₂) & “carboxyl” (COOH/COO⁻) groups that let them link up together through peptide bonds (N links to C, H₂O lost, and the remaining “residual” parts are called residues). Each day I’m going to bring you the story of one of these “charms” – what we know about it and how we know about it, where it comes from, where it goes, and outstanding questions nobody knows. ![]() There are 20 (common) genetically-specified ones, each with a generic backbone with to allow for linking up through peptide bonds to form chains (polypeptides) that fold up into functional proteins, as well as unique side chains (aka “R groups” that stick off like charms from a charm bracelet). Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.It’s Day 16 of #20DaysOfAminoAcids – the bumbling biochemist’s version of an advent calendar. The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.ĭisclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). ![]() However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.ĭrug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication.
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