Amino acids exhibit amphoteric behavior in aqueous solution due to the presence of both acidic (carboxyl group) and basic (amino group) groups, forming a dipolar ion or zwitterion. Naturally occurring a-amino acids, except glycine, are optically active due to the ...

Amino acids synthesizable in the body are termed non-essential, while those that cannot be synthesized and must be obtained from the diet are termed essential.

Amino acids are classified as acidic, basic, or neutral based on the relative number of amino and carboxyl groups in their molecules. Equal numbers result in neutrality, more amino groups make them basic, and more carboxyl groups make them acidic.

Amino acids are generally represented by both three-letter and one-letter symbols. Examples mentioned in the paragraph include glycine, tyrosine, and others, each with their corresponding structures and symbols.

Glycine is named for its sweet taste (glykos means sweet in Greek), and tyrosine is named as it was first obtained from cheese (tyros means cheese in Greek). Trivial names often reflect the properties or sources of the compounds.

Amino acids are classified as α, β, γ, δ, etc., based on the relative position of the amino group with respect to the carboxyl group. Only α-amino acids are obtained on the hydrolysis of proteins.

Proteins, the most abundant biomolecules in living systems, are crucial for the structure and functions of life, required for growth and maintenance of the body. Chief sources of proteins in the diet include milk, cheese, pulses, peanuts, fish, and meat.

Carbohydrates function as storage molecules in the form of starch in plants and glycogen in animals. Industrially, carbohydrates contribute to textiles, paper, lacquers, and breweries, providing raw materials for these important industries.

Carbohydrates are essential for life in plants and animals, forming a major part of our food. Honey, known for its high carbohydrate content, has been used as an instant source of energy in the ayurvedic system of medicine.

Cellulose, found exclusively in plants and a major component of plant cell walls, is composed of straight-chain b-D-glucose units joined by glycosidic linkage between C₁ of one unit and C₄ of the next. It serves a structural role in the ...