Amino acids are characterized by their central carbon atom, known as the α-carbon, which is bonded to an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain ...

Each of the 20 amino acids has a specific side chain, known as an R group, that is also attached to the α carbon. The R groups have a variety of shapes, sizes, charges, and reactivities.

First, the supplement should contain a balanced blend of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein that our bodies cannot produce on their own. Second, it should be easily ...

Originally, many of the sample types analyzed in the lab were mollusks, but now include bird eggshells, algal remains, synthetic amino acids, and more. Originally, many of the sample types analyzed in ...