Amino acid
- Pronunciation
- /uh-MEE-noh AS-id/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Amino acid
- Plural
- Amino acids
Definition
Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, containing both an amino group and a carboxyl group.
Etymology
From Latin 'amino', meaning 'relating to ammonia', and 'acidus', meaning 'acidic' or 'sour'.
Example
Insects require various essential amino acids in their diet for proper growth and development.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
While not specific to entomology, amino acids are crucial in the study of insect physiology and biochemistry.