Biochemistry
Amino Acid
The building blocks of proteins. Twenty standard amino acids combine in various sequences to form all proteins in living organisms.
Biological Context
Amino acid sequence determines protein structure and function. Nine amino acids are 'essential'—humans must obtain them from food. DNA encodes amino acid sequences through the genetic code. A typical protein contains hundreds to thousands of amino acids.
Business Application
Organizational amino acids: the basic capabilities, skills, and resources that combine to form larger organizational structures. Like amino acids, they're interchangeable in some ways but each has unique properties that determine what structures are possible.