Amino Acids: Difference between revisions
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==L- and D-Amino Acids== | ==L- and D-Amino Acids== | ||
The asymmetric α-carbon in 19 of the standard amino acids (all except glycine) is a chiral center. Thus, each amino acid can exist in either of two optical isomers or enantiomers (mirror images), designated the L-form and D-form. Nearly all naturally-occuring amino acids are L | The asymmetric α-carbon in 19 of the standard amino acids (all except glycine) is a chiral center. Thus, each amino acid can exist in either of two optical isomers or enantiomers (mirror images), designated the L-form and D-form. Nearly all naturally-occuring amino acids are L-amino acids, so named because they are derived from the L-form of glyceraldehyde<ref name='chirality'>See [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chirality_(chemistry) Chirality in Wikipedia]].</ref>. (Not all L-amino acids are levorotatory; some rotate polarized light clockwise<ref name='chirality' />). | ||
==Unusual Amino Acids== | ==Unusual Amino Acids== | ||
