Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
An amino acid is a building block of a protein.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Amino acids, also known as peptides, are a type of monomer molecule which can combine with others to form proteins, (polypeptides).
About Amino Acids
- Amino Acids (Peptides) react together in polymerisation reactions to form Proteins (Polypeptides).
- Amino acids are used in protein synthesis which takes place at the ribosomes inside cells.
- There are many different amino acids which join to form proteins.
- There are billions of different proteins that can be formed by different amino acids joining together.
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| This diagram represents an amino acid and a small protein made of 3 different amino acids. |
References
AQA
- Amino acid, pages 58, 76, 93, 101, 103, 116, 199, 226, 246-9, GCSE Biology; Student Book, Collins, AQA'
- Amino acids, page 146, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA'
- Amino acids, page 160, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA'
- Amino acids, page 173, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA'
- Amino acids, page 246, GCSE Chemistry, CGP, AQA'
- Amino acids, page 84, GCSE Chemistry; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA'
- Amino acids, pages 126, 186-7, 188, GCSE Biology, Hodder, AQA'
- Amino acids, pages 192-3, GCSE Chemistry, Hodder, AQA'
- Amino acids, pages 227, 250-1. 253, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA'
- Amino acids, pages 41, 141, 204-205, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA'