Fruit-based Life - Glossary of Terms

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins and are used by the body for growth, repair, and the production of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and other molecules.

The 20 amino acids humans require are grouped as:

essential amino acids which must come from the diet as the body does not manufacture sufficient quantities even under normal conditions
Conditionally Essential Amino Acids which are not manufactured by the body in sufficient quantities under certain conditions
nonessential amino acids which are manufactured by the body under normal conditions

At the chemical level, amino acids generally contain an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-COOH), with a variable side chain (R group) that determines their properties.

Amino Acid (Protein Term)

essential amino acids which must come from the diet as the body does not manufacture sufficient quantities even under normal conditions
Conditionally Essential Amino Acids which are not manufactured by the body in sufficient quantities under certain conditions
nonessential amino acids which are manufactured by the body under normal conditions

At the chemical level, amino acids generally contain an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-COOH), with a variable side chain (R group) that determines their properties.