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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Amino Acid and Imino Acid?

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Amino acids and imino acids are both organic compounds, but they have different structures and properties. The main differences between them are:

  1. Structure: Amino acids have a basic amino group, an acidic carboxyl group, and a unique organic side chain (R group). Imino acids, on the other hand, have a carbonyl group (C=O) instead of a carboxyl group (COOH).
  2. Polarity: Amino acids can be classified according to their polarity, with some having acidic side chains and others having basic side chains. Imino acids generally have a more neutral character due to the absence of a charged carboxyl group.
  3. Function: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play crucial roles in various biological processes. Imino acids are not typically found in proteins but are present in some other biomolecules and can participate in different chemical reactions.

In summary, amino acids are characterized by their amino and carboxyl groups, while imino acids have a carbonyl group instead of a carboxyl group. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and have various functions in biological processes, whereas imino acids are present in other biomolecules and participate in different chemical reactions.

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  • What is the Difference Between Amino Acid and Imino Acid?
  • Comparative Table: Amino Acid vs Imino Acid

    • Comparative Table: Amino Acid vs Imino Acid

    Here is a table comparing the differences between amino acids and imino acids:

    Feature Amino Acids Imino Acids
    Definition Amino acids are organic molecules that act as building blocks of proteins and contain an amino group, a carboxylic group, an alkyl group, and a hydrogen atom attached to the same central carbon atom. Imino acids are organic compounds containing an imino group and a carboxylic group together.
    Structure An amino acid essentially has the chemical elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, with the amino group (-NH2), carboxylic group (-COOH), and a hydrogen atom (-H) attached to the same central carbon atom. An imino acid contains an imino group (>C=NH) and a carboxylic group in its structure.
    Type of Bonds Amino acids form peptide bonds, which are covalent bonds formed through dehydration synthesis or condensation reactions between the amino terminus of one amino acid's backbone and the carboxyl terminus of another. Imino acids have a secondary amine group and a carboxyl group in their structure.

    In summary, the key difference between amino acid and imino acid is that an amino acid contains an amino group (-NH2), while an imino acid contains an imino group (>C=NH). Amino acids are building blocks of proteins, while imino acids are a type of amino acid with a slightly different structure.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.