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	[[Category:Amino acids]]		[[Category:Amino acids]]
			<gallery>
			File:Alanine-spin.gif\|Alanine
			File:L-Alanin_-_L-Alanine.svg\|L-Alanine structure
			File:Alanine-spin.gif\|Alanine
			File:Synthesis_of_alanine_-_1.png\|Synthesis of alanine - step 1
			File:Synthesis_of_alanine_-_2.png\|Synthesis of alanine - step 2
			File:Zwitterion-Alanine.png\|Zwitterion form of alanine
			</gallery>

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Alanine

[[File:Alanine-spin.gif|thumb|right|Alanine molecule in motion]]
[[File:L-Alanin_-_L-Alanine.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of L-Alanine]]

'''Alanine''' is an [[alpha-amino acid]] that is used in the biosynthesis of [[proteins]]. It contains an [[amino group]], a [[carboxylic acid]] group, and a [[side chain]] methyl group, making it a non-polar, aliphatic amino acid. Alanine is classified as a non-essential amino acid, meaning it can be synthesized by the human body and does not need to be obtained directly through the diet.

==Structure==
Alanine has the chemical formula C3H7NO2. The [[IUPAC name]] for alanine is 2-aminopropanoic acid. The [[molecular structure]] of alanine consists of a central carbon atom (the alpha carbon) bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a methyl group (CH3), which is the side chain.

==Stereochemistry==
Alanine exists in two [[enantiomers]], L-alanine and D-alanine, which are mirror images of each other. In biological systems, L-alanine is the form that is incorporated into proteins. The [[chirality]] of alanine is important for its function in [[protein structure]] and [[enzyme]] activity.

==Biosynthesis==
Alanine can be synthesized in the body through the [[transamination]] of [[pyruvate]], a key intermediate in [[glycolysis]]. This reaction involves the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid, such as [[glutamate]], to pyruvate, forming alanine and [[alpha-ketoglutarate]].

==Function==
Alanine plays a crucial role in [[glucose-alanine cycle]], which helps in the transport of nitrogen from muscle tissue to the liver. In this cycle, alanine is formed in muscle cells by the transamination of pyruvate. It is then transported to the liver, where it is converted back to pyruvate, which can be used for [[gluconeogenesis]] to produce [[glucose]].

==Metabolism==
In the liver, alanine can be converted into pyruvate by the enzyme alanine transaminase. This pyruvate can then enter the [[citric acid cycle]] or be used for gluconeogenesis. Alanine is also involved in the synthesis of other amino acids and [[metabolic pathways]].

==Zwitterion Form==
In aqueous solution, alanine exists predominantly as a [[zwitterion]], a molecule with both positive and negative charges. The amino group is protonated (NH3+), and the carboxyl group is deprotonated (COO-), resulting in a neutral overall charge.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Synthesis_of_alanine_-_1.png|Synthesis of alanine - step 1
File:Synthesis_of_alanine_-_2.png|Synthesis of alanine - step 2
File:Zwitterion-Alanine.png|Zwitterionic form of alanine
</gallery>

==Related pages==
* [[Amino acid]]
* [[Protein]]
* [[Transamination]]
* [[Gluconeogenesis]]

[[Category:Amino acids]]

Alanine - Revision history

Prab: CSV import

Prab: CSV import