Amino acid
one of 20 naturally occurring hydrocarbon molecules that in combination form proteins in living things.
Description: The fundamental building blocks of a protein molecule. A protein is composed of a chain of hundreds or thousands of amino acids. Our bodies can synthesize most of the amino acids. However, eight amino acids (called «essential amino acids») must be obtained from food.Source: Specialized encyclopedia and dictionaries
defined: A group of 20 different kinds of small molecules that link together in long chains to form proteins. Often referred to as the "building blocks" of proteins.
explained:
Listen to a detailed explanation.Dr. Lawrence Brody, of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Genetic and Molecular Biology Branch, defines amino acids.
illustrated: View illustration
related terms: 
protein