What are the components of amino acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and have a basic structure that includes specific functional groups. Every standard amino acid consists of an amino group (–NH2), a carboxyl group (–COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a distinctive side chain (R group) attached to a central carbon atom.

The amino group is responsible for the basic (alkaline) properties of amino acids, while the carboxyl group is acidic. This dual functionality is crucial because it contributes to the amino acids' ability to participate in chemical reactions and link together to form proteins through peptide bonds. The carboxyl group allows amino acids to act as acids, while the amino group enables them to act as bases.

This specific structure is what makes the second option the correct answer, as both the amino group and the carboxyl group are integral components of amino acids, ultimately allowing them to perform their biological roles efficiently.