Tryptophan is an essential amino acid.
Amino acids generally are defined in the column on the right.
Further,
there are two types of amino acid:
* Those that can be synthesized by
the body
itself, and
*
Those
that
(are necessary
for
healthy
growth
or maintenance
of the body) but cannot be produced by the body itself.
Those
amino acids (including Tryptophan) that are necessary
but cannot be produced within the body are
called "Essential Amino Acids".
The molecular formula of tryptophan is: C11H12N2O2
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Amino Acids Section
Amino acids are important biological units. They are sometimes described
as the "building blocks" of proteins because many amino acids
grouped together form proteins. Proteins, form much of the structure
of cells, and cells are the basic functional units of
living organisms.
The Chemistry of Amino Acids:
Amino acids are organic compounds that include both an amino group,
and a carboxyl group.
The term "organic
compound"
refers to substances whose molecular structure is based on the
presence and properties of the element carbon (chemical symbol: "C").
An "amino group" is
a group of atoms arranged in a particular configuration that
includes the elements nitrogen and hydrogen and is represented by
(-NH2).
A "carboxyl group" is
a group of atoms arranged in a particular configuration that
includes carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen and is represented by (-COOH).
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