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Amino acid summary - perfect paragraph

Submitted by cdkelly on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 20:44

Amino acids are the primary building blocks of all proteins. Each amino acid is comprised of a central alpha carbon with an alpha hydrogen, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable R-group that makes them unique. The amino end is referred to as the N-terminus, and the carboxyl end Is referred to as the C-terminus. A total of twenty common amino acids exist within our bodies and they are sorted into different groups based on their chemical properties. For example, polar amino acids are considered to be hydrophilic (water loving) because their R-groups will interact with other polar molecules, including water. Amino acids polymerize with one another via a dehydration reaction and form a polypeptide chain comprised of anywhere from forty to thousands of these tiny building blocks. This is known as the primary structure of a protein.The aforementioned chemical properties of amino acids dictate how the primary structure will fold in an aqueous environment. Since the structure and shape of a protein is dependant on these R-group interactions and protein function is facilitated by shape, it is important that they fold properly. Therefore, the specific position of a given amino acid in the polypeptide is crucial for protein formation. Proteins cannot exist without amino acids and we cannot exist without proteins; amino acids are fundamental components of life itself.



 

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Overall this paragraph is well formated and organized. I would just not use the "(water loving)" line you have because it doesn't seem formal. I understand what is meant by it but you could say something like they are drawn to water instead. 

Explain what an alpha carbon and alpha hydrogen are.

When you mention amino acid's categorization into diferent groups and give example of polar molecules, audience would naturally want to know its contrast (you might want to delve a bit into nonpolar molecules). 

Otherwise, very clear and concise paragraph! (If you want, you can include a topic sentence in the beginning before delving into the background)

 

You mention the primary structure of the protein, perhaps you should continue on and mention the secondary, tertiary, and quantary strutures to give the reader a better picture of the various levels of protien folding. Other than thtat this paragraph was well written and very informative!