Amines are organic derivatives of ammonia with one or more alkyl or aryl groups
bonded to the nitrogen atom. As a class, amines include some of the most important biological
compounds. Amines serve many functions in living organisms, such as bioregulation,
neurotransmission, and defense against predators. Because of their high degree
of biological activity, many amines are used as drugs and medicines. The structures
and uses of some important biologically active amines are shown in Figure