Amino Acids as Protein Building Blocks

Proteins are naturally-occurring biopolymers comprised of amino acids. The biological function of proteins is inherent in their three dimensional structure. All the information required for correct folding of the protein into its functional native structure is contained in the primary sequence of amino acids. The physical chemical properties of the amino acids contain the biological information required for folding and function.

Structure of Ubiquitin MQIFVKTLTGKTITLEVEPSDTIENVKAKIQDKEGIPPD QQRLIFAGKQLEDGRTLSDYNIQKESTLHLVLRLRGG 1 76 By convention the primary sequence of amino acids is listed left to right from the amino terminus to the carboxyl terminus.

Fundamental Structure of Amino Acids Amino acids are most logically grouped according to the physical properties of their side chains.

Aliphatic Amino Acids

Aromatic Amino Acids

Polar Amino Acids

Disulfide Bond Formation

Acidic Amino Acids

Basic Amino Acids

Representations of Protein Surfaces D39 R72 K27 E51 D52 E24 R54 D58 E18 K63 E64 K48 K6 R42