1. A central carbon atom (alpha carbon): This carbon atom is bonded to the other four components.

2. An amino group (NH2): This group is a base and contains nitrogen.

3. A carboxyl group (COOH): This group is an acid and contains oxygen.

4. A side chain (R group): This group is what differentiates one amino acid from another. There are 20 different R groups, each with its unique chemical properties, which determine the amino acid's overall properties.

Here's a simple way to visualize it:

```

R

|

C - H

/ \

NH2 COOH

```

The specific properties and functions of each amino acid depend on the chemical structure of its R group.

Let me know if you'd like to know more about specific amino acids or their properties!