Amino Acids

Introduction to the Digestive System of the Human Body

These are just short notes to describe amino acids.

Amino Acids are organic compounds that contain both:

  • an amino group (-NH2)
    and
  • a carboxyl group (-COOH)

Amino acids are fundamental constituents of all proteins.


Breakdown of the proteins in the body yeilds amino acids.

These include:

Some of these amino acids can be synthesised by the human body but Essential Amino Acids must be obtained from protein in the diet.

For more detailed information see the main study page about amino acids.