What are amino acids?

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins, which are essential macromolecules in the body. Each protein is made up of one or more chains of amino acids, and the specific sequence and combination of these amino acids determine the structure and function of the protein.

Proteins play a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including tissue repair, enzyme function, hormone production, and immune response. This makes amino acids vital not only for overall health but also for athletic performance, as they contribute to muscle repair and growth after exercise.

The other choices refer to important nutrients as well, but they do not define amino acids. Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for various metabolic processes but are separate entities from amino acids. Minerals, while important for bone health and other bodily functions, also do not relate directly to the structure of proteins. Compounds that provide energy would typically refer to carbohydrates and fats rather than amino acids, which primarily serve as the building blocks for proteins.