How are alpha amino acids different from beta amino acids?

As we know that is the basic structure of an amino acid. Let me explain in a simple way using that figure. The carbon which is attached to the functional group or "R" is called as the Alpha carbon. read more

Most of the amino acids in human body are alpha-amino acids in which amino group is attached to alpha-carbon. However, in a beta-amino acid, the amino group (-NH2) is attached to the secondary (beta) carbon rather than the alpha-carbon, e.g. beta-alanine. read more

Beta amino acids, on the other hand, are similar but not useful in the synthesis of proteins [1]. The molecular arrangement of alpha and beta amino acids differ [2]. read more

Alpha amino acids are the bifunctional compounds in which carboxyl and amino functional groups are present. It is obtained by replacing hydrogen atom of alpha carbon of carboxylic acids by amino group.Some of the examples of alpha amino acid are as follows. read more