Generally spoken, an amino acid is a carboxylic acid containing an amino substituent.

In most cases, the term “amino acid” refers to an α-amino acid. Amino and carboxyl moiety are linked to the same carbon atom, the α-carbon. Glycine, α-aminoacetic acid, is the simplest amino acid, the parent compound of this class of substances.

β-alanine is the parent compound of the β-amino acids. For a more in-depth explanation, take a read of our guide to peptides & amino acids for beginners.