amide

Definition

A chemical compound derived from ammonia in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by an acyl group (R-C=O). Amides are crucial in the formation of protein structures.

Etymology

Derived from the French term 'amide', which is a combination of 'ammonia' and 'ide', the latter being a suffix often used in chemistry to denote derivatives.

Example

The presence of amides in the exoskeleton plays an essential role in the rigidity and flexibility of the structure.

Synonyms

• Carbamide
• Amino carbonyl

Related Terms

• Protein
• Exoskeleton
• Peptide

Usage Notes

Amides are significant in the structure and function of proteins and are commonly studied in the context of insect physiology.