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Chemistry

Amino Acid Side Chains: Structure and Properties

Quick fact

Cysteine side chains can form disulfide bonds, providing extra stability to proteins like hair and feathers.

Why this is interesting

Every protein in your body is built from just 20 different amino acids, yet they perform countless functions. How do these same building blocks create such diverse structures? The answer lies in the side chains, which give each amino acid its unique chemical personality.