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Amino Acids

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Updated September 18, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The neurotransmitters that affect mood - including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine - all contain one amino acid. GABA, a neurotransmitter that can play a role in anxiety and seizures, is also classed as an amino acid but is not one of the 20 "basic" building blocks.
Pronunciation: uh-MEE-noh Ă-sid
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