What class of organic compounds do amino acids belong to?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which is why they belong to this class of organic compounds. Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in biological systems, including serving as enzymes, hormones, and structural components of cells. Each protein is made up of one or more long chains of amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds. The unique sequence and arrangement of amino acids in a protein determine its specific structure and function.

In contrast, carbohydrates primarily serve as energy sources and structural components in cells, while lipids are hydrophobic molecules that include fats and oils, which are not directly related to amino acids. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are essential for storing and transmitting genetic information, but they do not encompass amino acids. Thus, recognizing that amino acids are specifically classified as the constituents of proteins clarifies their role in organic chemistry.