How many amino acids are in the protein? Groups and types of amino acids

Many of us know that proteins are necessary for the body, because they contain amino acids. But not everyone understands what these elements represent and why their presence in the diet is so important. Today we will find out how many amino acids are in the protein, how they are classified and what function they perform.

What are amino acids?

So, amino acids (aminocarboxylic acids) are organic compounds, which are the basic element that forms the structure of the protein. Proteins, in turn, take part in all the physiological processes of the human body. They form bones, tendons, ligaments, internal organs, muscles, nails and hair. Proteins become part of the body during the synthesis of amino acids that came with food. Therefore, not protein is an important nutrient, namely amino acids. And not all proteins are equally useful, because each of them has its own unique composition of these same acids.

How many amino acids are included in the protein

The structure of proteins is quite complex, we will consider it at a basic level. We know that aminocarboxylic acids are a kind of building blocks in a building called a protein and in a megacity called a person. However, not all proteins contain exactly the elements that we need. If you look at the protein under a microscope, you can see a chain of amino acids that are connected by peptide bonds. Roughly speaking, links in this chain serve as repair and building materials in our body.

Surprisingly, there was a time when scientists were not aware of how many different amino acids are included in the protein. Most of them were discovered in 19, and the rest in the 20th century. Scientists took 119 years to finally answer the question: "How many amino acids are included in the protein?" The structure of each of them was studied even longer.

To date, it is known that for the normal life of the human body requires 20 proteinogenic aminocarboxylic acids. This twenty is often called major acids. From the point of view of chemistry, they are classified according to a variety of characteristics. But to ordinary inhabitants the classification on ability of acids to be synthesized in our organism is most close. On this basis, amino acids are interchangeable and indispensable.

There are some drawbacks in this classification. For example, arginine in some physiological states is considered indispensable, but it can be synthesized by the body. And histidine is filled in such small amounts that it still needs to be taken with food.

Now, when we know how many kinds of amino acids are included in the composition of proteins, let us consider in more detail both types.

Essential (essential)

As you have already understood, these substances can not be synthesized by the body on their own, therefore they must be consumed with food. The main quantity of essential organic acids is contained in animal proteins. When the body lacks one or another element, it begins to take it from the muscle tissue. This class consists of 8 acids. We will get acquainted with each of them.

Leucine

This acid is responsible for the restoration and protection of muscle tissue, skin and bones. It is thanks to leucine that growth hormone is released. In addition, this organic acid regulates the level of sugar in the blood and promotes the burning of fats. It is found in meat, nuts, legumes, unpolished rice and wheat grains. Lecithin stimulates protein synthesis, which means it helps build muscle mass.

Isoleucine

This acid accelerates the production of energy, so it is loved by athletes. After exhausting exercises, it helps the rapid recovery of muscle fibers. Isoleucine removes the so-called krepature, takes part in the formation of hemoglobin and regulates the amount of sugar. Most isoleucine is found in meat, fish, eggs, nuts, peas and soy.

Lysine

This amino acid plays an important role in the work of the immune system. Its main task is the synthesis of antibodies, which protect our body from the effects of viruses and allergens. In addition, lysine regulates the process of renewal of bone tissue and collagen, as well as growth hormones. This organic acid can be found in foods such as eggs, potatoes, red meat, fish and sour-milk products.

Phenylalanine

This alpha-amino acid is responsible for the normal operation of the central nervous system. Its lack in the body leads to bouts of depression and chronic illnesses. Phenylalanine helps us to concentrate and remember the necessary information. It is part of the drugs used in the treatment of mental disorders, including Parkinson's disease. Positive effect on the liver and pancreas. Amino acid is contained in: nuts, mushrooms, chicken, dairy products, bananas, apricots and Jerusalem artichoke.

Methionine

Few people know how many amino acids are in the protein, but many know that methionine actively burns fat. But this is not all the useful properties of this acid. It affects the endurance and performance of a person. If it is not enough in the body, it can immediately be understood by the skin and nails. Methionine is found in foods such as meat, fish, sunflower seeds, legumes, onions, garlic and sour-milk products.

Threonine

In an effort to find out how many amino acids are included in the protein, scientists discovered a substance such as threonine, one of the last. But it is very useful for a person. Threonine is responsible for all the major systems of the human body, namely, the nervous, immune and cardiovascular. The first sign of his lack is problems with teeth and bones. Most of all threonine is obtained from dairy products, meat, mushrooms, vegetables and cereals.

Tryptophan

Another important substance. It is responsible for the synthesis of serotonin, which is often called the hormone of good mood. The lack of tryptophan can be detected by violations of sleep, appetite. This acid also regulates the function of respiration and blood pressure. It is found mainly in: seafood, red meat, poultry, fermented milk products and wheat.

Valine

Performs the function of restoring damaged fibers and monitors the metabolic processes in the muscles. With strong loads can have a stimulating effect. It also plays a role in the mental activity of a person. Helps in the treatment of the liver and brain from the negative effects of alcohol and drugs. A person can get valine from: meat, mushrooms, soy, dairy products and peanuts.

It is noteworthy that 70% of all organic acids in our body are occupied by only three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. Therefore, they are considered the most important in ensuring the normal vital activity of the body. In sports nutrition even isolated a special complex BCAA, which contains these three acids.

We continue to answer the question of how many major amino acids are included in the protein, and we proceed to the replaceable representatives of the class.

Replaceable

The main difference of this group is that all its representatives can be formed in the body by endogenous synthesis. The word "interchangeable" misleads many. Therefore, often ignorant people say that these amino acids are not necessarily consumed with food. Of course, this is not so! Replaceable acids, as well as essential acids, must necessarily be part of the daily diet. They really can be formed from other substances. But this happens only if the diet is made incorrectly. Then some of the nutrients and essential acids are spent on recreating the interchangeable acids. Therefore, this is not entirely beneficial to the body. We will analyze the irreplaceable acids included in the "major twenty".

Alanin

Promotes the acceleration of the metabolism of carbohydrates and the excretion of toxins from the liver. It occurs in foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish and dairy products.

Aspartic acid

It is considered a universal fuel for our body, as it significantly improves metabolism. It occurs in milk, cane sugar, poultry and beef.

Asparagine

Trying to answer the question: "How many amino acids are included in the protein?", The scientists first discovered asparagine. It was in the distant 1806 year. This acid is involved in improving the functioning of the nervous system. It is found in all animal proteins, as well as nuts, potatoes and cereals.

Histidine

It is an important building element of all internal organs. It plays almost a key role in the formation of red and white blood cells. Positively affects the immune system and sexual function. Due to a wide range of uses, histidine stores in the body are rapidly depleted. Therefore it is important to take it with food. Contained in meat, dairy and cereal products.

Serin

Stimulates the work of the brain and central nervous system. It occurs in such products as: meat, soy, cereals, peanuts.

Cysteine

This amino acid in the body is responsible for the synthesis of keratin. Without it, there would not be healthy nails, hair and skin. It is found in such products as: meat, eggs, red pepper, garlic, onions and broccoli.

Arginine

Speaking about how many proteinogenic amino acids are included in the composition of proteins and what functions they perform, we were convinced that each of them is important for the organism. However, there are acids, which, according to experts, are considered the most significant. These include arginine. He is responsible for the healthy work of muscles, joints, skin and liver, and also strengthens immunity and burns fats. Arginine is often used by bodybuilders and those who wish to lose weight, as part of supplements. In its natural form, it is found in meat, nuts, milk, cereals and gelatin.

Glutamic acid

It is an important element for the healthy functioning of the brain and spinal cord. It is often sold as an additive "Glutamate sodium". It occurs in eggs, meat, dairy products, fish, carrots, corn, tomatoes and spinach.

Glutamine

It is necessary in proteins for muscle growth and support. It is also the "fuel" of the brain. In addition, glutamine removes from the liver all that goes there with unhealthy food. When heat treated, the acid denatures, so to fill it, you need to eat parsley and spinach in its raw form.

Glycine

It helps the blood to clot, and glucose - to be processed into energy. It occurs in meat, fish, beans and milk.

Proline

Responsible for the synthesis of collagen. With a lack of proline in the body, problems with joints begin. It is found mainly in animal proteins, therefore it is almost the only substance with a lack of which people who do not consume meat face.

Tyrosine

Responsible for the regulation of blood pressure and appetite. With a deficiency of this acid, a person suffers from rapid fatigue. That such problems were not, it is necessary to eat bananas, sunflower seeds, nuts and avocados.

Foods rich in amino acids

Now you know how many amino acids are in the protein. The functions and location of each of them are also known to you. Note the main products, using which, you can not worry about the balance of nutrition in terms of amino acids.

Eggs . Excellent assimilated by the body, give him a large number of amino acids and provide protein supplementation.

Dairy products . Are capable to provide the person with set of useful substances which spectrum, by the way speaking, is not limited to organic acids.

Meat . Perhaps the first source of protein and its constituent substances.

Fish . Rich in protein and perfectly digestible by the body.

Many are absolutely sure that without products of animal origin, you can not provide the body with the proper amount of protein. This is completely wrong. And the proof of this is a huge number of vegetarians with a beautiful physical form. Among plant products, the main sources of amino acids are: legumes, nuts, cereals, seeds.

Conclusion

Today we learned how many amino acids are included in the protein. Groups of substances and a detailed description of their representatives will help you navigate in the formulation of a healthy diet.