Question

Why are α-amino acids called so?

Answer 1

α-amino acids:

1. The smallest unit to which the protein can be broken down is called amino acids.
2. The α-amino acids are the amino acids whose one carbon contains both the amino group (NH₂) and carboxyl group (COOH).
3. Such type of carbon is called α-carbon.
4. Thus, the amino acid that contains an α-carbon is called an α-amino acid.