AMINO ACIDS

1. Yes, some amino acids can form hydrogen bonds with water especially those that are
hydrophilic because they are polar or charged. However, those amino acids that are
hydrophobic are not suitable in forming hydrogen bonds with water.
2. The 20 Amino Acids
Essential Amino Acids (obtained from the food we eat)

 Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine – called branched-chain amino acids; they serve
as source of energy when we exercise and increase the proteins in our body
 Histidine – used to produce histamine
 Lysine – it is important to get this amino acid in the food we eat because lack of it
may lead to growth failure
 Methionine – it is an essential amino acid for the metabolism and health; is present
in egg, meat and fish
 Phenylalanine – used to produce useful amines; is present in milk, eggs, and meat;
it is also a component of artificial sweeteners
 Threonine – the structure of threonine is what makes it unique, without it, the
proteins will not function properly
 Tryptophan – used to produce useful amines; also essential for the functioning of
organs in the human body
Non-Essential Amino Acids (synthesized by the body)

 Alanine – this amino acid is essential for the health of the liver because it serves
as an energy source for the liver
 Arginine – this amino acid is essential in making nitric oxide, which is required to
expand blood vessels and allow blood to flow easily in our bodies
 Asparagine – it is essential in maintaining the equilibrium of the nervous system
and it also helps in protecting the liver
 Aspartic Acid – amino acid that is most easily used as an energy source and can
be obtained in asparagus
 Cysteine – it is an important component of glutathione and beta-keratin which is
said to preserve skin elasticity
 Glutamic Acid – can be used as an energy source; present in wheat and soybean
 Glutamine – this amino acid is essential to the intestine to perform its task, without
it the intestine will not be able to do its function properly; it is also helps in liver
function
 Glycine – this amino acid is essential in producing porphyrin which is a component
of hemoglobin; it also produces glutathione
 Proline – essential for healthy skin since it is the main component of collagen; also
serves as fast-acting energy source
 Serine – this amino acid makes up the brain proteins and nerve coverings; it is
also needed to produce the tryptophan
 Tyrosine – it is essential in the brain because it is used to synthesize
neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood and brain function