ABSTRACT
The fundamental structure of proteins is simple. Proteins are biopolymers of α-amino acids. Hydrolysis of proteins with an acid or base yields a mixture of different amino acids. Naturally occurring proteins on hydrolysis may yield twenty-two different amino acids. Amino acids are synthesised by all living organisms, animals and plants for their protein requirements. The Schmidt reaction is used in variety of ways for the synthesis of amino acids. The reductive amination of α-keto acids yields α-amino acids. This may be achieved by carrying out reduction catalytically or with sodium and ethanol in the presence of ammonia. The non-essential amino acids are synthesised by quite simple reactions whereas the pathways for synthesis of essential amino acids are quite complex. Hydrolysis of the peptides may be carried out with acids, bases or with certain enzymes to give a mixture of amino acids.
