What are amino acids?

Amino acids are organic molecules characterized by the presence of two distinct functional groups: the amino group (-NH2) and the carboxyl group (-COOH). This unique structure allows them to play a crucial role as the building blocks for proteins, as they link together to form long chains through peptide bonds, leading to various protein structures.

The presence of these two functional groups is essential for the biochemical processes in living organisms. The amino group contributes to the basic properties of amino acids, while the carboxyl group provides acidic characteristics. This dual functionality is significant for the role of amino acids in protein synthesis and metabolism.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe amino acids. The first choice mentions only one functional group, which is not applicable since amino acids have both an amino and a carboxyl group. The third option suggests that amino acids are simple molecules that cannot form polymers; however, they are well known for their ability to polymerize into proteins. Lastly, stating that amino acids are compounds made solely of carbohydrates is incorrect, as they are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and in some cases, sulfur, which is not representative of carbohydrates.