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ABOUT AMINO ACIDS!
Proteins are about 50% of the dry weight of most cells, and are the most structurally complex macromolecules known. Each type of protein has its own unique structure and function. Polymers are any kind of large molecules made of repeating identical or similar subunits called monomers. The starch and cellulose we previously discussed are polymers of glucose, which in that case, is the monomer. Proteins are polymers of about 20 amino acids (the monomer). Amino acids are built from a central carbon bonded to four different groups. (run your mouse over the amino acid to see the names of the parts)

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In the approximately-20 amino acids found in our bodies, what varies is the side chain. Some side chains are hydrophilic while others are hydrophobic. Since these side chains stick out from the backbone of the molecule, they help determine the properties of the protein made from them. Most naturally-occurring amino acids are the l- form, whereas synthetically-produced amino acids give a 50:50 mixture. Notice that these molecules are mirror images of each other, thus there is no way you can rotate one molecule to make it look like the other.