Which component is not part of amino acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid is characterized by three main components: a carboxyl group, an amino group, and a central carbon atom (also known as the alpha carbon).

The carboxyl group (—COOH) gives amino acids their acidic properties, while the amino group (—NH2) contributes basic properties. The central carbon atom is the core of the amino acid structure, to which these groups, as well as a variable R group (side chain), are attached.

The hydroxyl group (—OH), while present in some amino acid derivatives, is not a fundamental part of all amino acids. This group is more commonly associated with alcohols and carbohydrates. Therefore, its absence in the fundamental structure of amino acids makes it the correct answer to the question.