Which three components are common to all amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids and all share five basic parts namely-

1. a central carbon atom

2. a hydrogen atom

3. an amino group

4. a carboxyl group

5. an R - group or side chain.

The R - group or side chain is what makes each amino acid unique.

There are two categories of amino acids:

1. essential amino acids - these are necessary for growth and maintenance of the body but cannot be produced by the body itself.

2. non essential amino acids - these can be synthesized by the body itself.