Valine: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:43, 13 February 2025

Valine[edit]

Valine is an alpha-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain isopropyl group, classifying it as a non-polar, aliphatic amino acid. Valine is one of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with leucine and isoleucine.

Structure[edit]

Valine is encoded by the codons GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG. Its chemical formula is C₅H₁₁NO₂, and it has a molar mass of 117.15 g/mol. The side chain of valine is a simple isopropyl group, making it hydrophobic and thus often found in the interior of proteins.

Function[edit]

Valine is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and the maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in the body. As a BCAA, it is metabolized in the muscle rather than the liver, which makes it particularly important for athletes and individuals with muscle-wasting diseases.

Dietary Sources[edit]

Valine is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be obtained through the diet. Rich sources of valine include meat, dairy products, soy products, beans, and legumes.

Metabolism[edit]

Valine is metabolized in the body through a series of enzymatic reactions. It is first transaminated to form alpha-ketoisovalerate, which is then converted to isobutyryl-CoA. This compound undergoes further reactions to eventually form succinyl-CoA, which enters the citric acid cycle.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Valine levels can be affected in certain metabolic disorders, such as maple syrup urine disease, where there is a deficiency in the enzyme complex responsible for breaking down BCAAs. Symptoms of valine deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, and impaired cognitive function.

Related Pages[edit]

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 == Valine ==
-[[File:Valine-spin.gif|thumb|right|Valine molecule]]
+[[File:Valine-spin.gif|thumb|right|3D model of Valine]]
-'''Valine''' is an [[alpha-amino acid]] that is used in the biosynthesis of [[proteins]]. It contains an [[amino group]], a [[carboxyl group]], and a side chain [[isopropyl group]], classifying it as a non-polar, aliphatic [[amino acid]]. Valine is essential in humans, meaning the body cannot synthesize it and it must be obtained from the diet. It is encoded by the [[codons]] GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG.
+'''Valine''' is an [[alpha-amino acid]] that is used in the biosynthesis of [[proteins]]. It contains an [[amino group]], a [[carboxyl group]], and a side chain [[isopropyl group]], classifying it as a non-polar, [[aliphatic amino acid]]. Valine is one of the [[branched-chain amino acids]] (BCAAs), along with [[leucine]] and [[isoleucine]].
 == Structure ==
-Valine is one of the [[branched-chain amino acids]] (BCAAs), along with [[leucine]] and [[isoleucine]]. Its chemical formula is C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>11</sub>NO<sub>2</sub>. The structure of valine includes a central carbon atom (the alpha carbon) to which an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and an isopropyl group are attached. This structure is crucial for its role in protein synthesis and metabolism.
+Valine is encoded by the [[codons]] GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG. Its chemical formula is C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>11</sub>NO<sub>2</sub>, and it has a molar mass of 117.15 g/mol. The side chain of valine is a simple [[isopropyl group]], making it hydrophobic and thus often found in the interior of [[proteins]].
 == Function ==
-Valine is important for muscle growth, tissue repair, and energy production. It is involved in the regulation of the immune system and the central nervous system. As a BCAA, valine is metabolized in the muscles rather than the liver, which makes it particularly important for athletes and bodybuilders.
+Valine is essential for [[muscle growth]], [[tissue repair]], and the maintenance of proper [[nitrogen balance]] in the body. As a BCAA, it is metabolized in the [[muscle]] rather than the [[liver]], which makes it particularly important for [[athletes]] and individuals with [[muscle-wasting diseases]].
 == Dietary Sources ==
-Valine is found in a variety of foods, particularly those high in protein. Good sources include [[meat]], [[dairy products]], [[soy products]], [[beans]], and [[legumes]]. It is also available as a dietary supplement, often in combination with other BCAAs.
+Valine is an [[essential amino acid]], meaning it must be obtained through the [[diet]]. Rich sources of valine include [[meat]], [[dairy products]], [[soy products]], [[beans]], and [[legumes]].
 == Metabolism ==
-Valine is metabolized in the body through a series of enzymatic reactions. It is first transaminated to form alpha-ketoisovalerate, which is then converted into isobutyryl-CoA. This compound undergoes further reactions to eventually form succinyl-CoA, which enters the [[citric acid cycle]].
-== Health Implications ==
+Valine is metabolized in the body through a series of enzymatic reactions. It is first transaminated to form [[alpha-ketoisovalerate]], which is then converted to [[isobutyryl-CoA]]. This compound undergoes further reactions to eventually form [[succinyl-CoA]], which enters the [[citric acid cycle]].
-Adequate intake of valine is essential for maintaining proper health. Deficiency can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and mental confusion. Conversely, excessive intake, particularly through supplements, can lead to adverse effects such as increased ammonia levels in the blood.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+Valine levels can be affected in certain metabolic disorders, such as [[maple syrup urine disease]], where there is a deficiency in the enzyme complex responsible for breaking down BCAAs. Symptoms of valine deficiency include [[fatigue]], [[muscle weakness]], and [[impaired cognitive function]].
 == Related Pages ==
 * [[Amino acid]]
 * [[Branched-chain amino acid]]
 * [[Protein synthesis]]
-* [[Leucine]]
+* [[Essential amino acid]]
-* [[Isoleucine]]
-== References ==
-{{Reflist}}
 [[Category:Amino acids]]