The term "alpha amino acids" refers to the common type of amino acids found in proteins. This term is used to differentiate them from other types of amino acids, such as beta or gamma amino acids.
The name "alpha" in alpha amino acids comes from the fact that the amino group (-NH2) and the carboxyl group (-COOH) are attached to the same carbon atom, which is known as the alpha carbon. This carbon atom is also bonded to a hydrogen atom and a side chain or R group.
There are a total of 20 different alpha amino acids that are commonly found in proteins. These amino acids differ from each other in terms of their side chain or R group, which gives each amino acid its unique chemical properties. This diversity in amino acids allows for the wide range of protein structures and functions observed in living organisms.
why 20 amino acids called alpha amino acids
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