Homoserine: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[ | [[File:HomoserineBiosyn.png|thumb]] [[File:Homoserine biosyntheses.png|thumb]] {{Short description|An amino acid intermediate in the biosynthesis of several essential amino acids}} | ||
'''Homoserine''' is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula C₄H₉NO₃. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of several essential amino acids, including [[threonine]], [[methionine]], and [[isoleucine]]. Homoserine is not one of the standard amino acids encoded by the genetic code, but it plays a crucial role in the metabolic pathways of many organisms. | |||
==Structure and Properties== | |||
Homoserine is structurally similar to the amino acid [[serine]], with an additional methylene group in its side chain. This gives homoserine the chemical structure of 2-amino-4-hydroxybutanoic acid. It is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not incorporated into proteins during translation. | |||
==Biosynthesis== | |||
Homoserine is synthesized from [[aspartate]] through a series of enzymatic reactions. The pathway begins with the phosphorylation of aspartate to form aspartyl-phosphate, which is then reduced to form aspartate-β-semialdehyde. This intermediate is converted to homoserine by the enzyme homoserine dehydrogenase. | |||
===Role in Amino Acid Biosynthesis=== | |||
Homoserine serves as a precursor for the synthesis of several essential amino acids: | |||
* '''Threonine''': Homoserine is phosphorylated to form O-phosphohomoserine, which is then converted to threonine by threonine synthase. | |||
* '''Methionine''': Homoserine is first converted to O-phosphohomoserine, which is then transformed into cystathionine and subsequently into methionine through a series of reactions. | |||
* '''Isoleucine''': In some organisms, homoserine can be converted into isoleucine through a series of transamination and reduction reactions. | |||
==Biological Importance== | |||
Homoserine is a key intermediate in the metabolic pathways that produce essential amino acids. These amino acids are vital for protein synthesis and various metabolic functions in organisms. Since humans cannot synthesize these essential amino acids, they must be obtained through the diet. | |||
==Industrial and Research Applications== | |||
Homoserine and its derivatives are used in research to study metabolic pathways and enzyme functions. Understanding the role of homoserine in amino acid biosynthesis can lead to advances in biotechnology, such as the development of genetically engineered organisms for the production of essential amino acids. | |||
==Also see== | |||
* [[Amino acid biosynthesis]] | |||
* [[Threonine]] | |||
* [[Threonine | |||
* [[Methionine]] | * [[Methionine]] | ||
* [[Isoleucine]] | * [[Isoleucine]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Aspartate]] | ||
{{Amino acids}} | |||
[[Category:Amino acids]] | [[Category:Amino acids]] | ||
[[Category:Biochemistry]] | [[Category:Biochemistry]] | ||
[[Category:Metabolism]] | [[Category:Metabolism]] | ||
Revision as of 15:16, 9 December 2024
An amino acid intermediate in the biosynthesis of several essential amino acids
Homoserine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula C₄H₉NO₃. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of several essential amino acids, including threonine, methionine, and isoleucine. Homoserine is not one of the standard amino acids encoded by the genetic code, but it plays a crucial role in the metabolic pathways of many organisms.
Structure and Properties
Homoserine is structurally similar to the amino acid serine, with an additional methylene group in its side chain. This gives homoserine the chemical structure of 2-amino-4-hydroxybutanoic acid. It is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not incorporated into proteins during translation.
Biosynthesis
Homoserine is synthesized from aspartate through a series of enzymatic reactions. The pathway begins with the phosphorylation of aspartate to form aspartyl-phosphate, which is then reduced to form aspartate-β-semialdehyde. This intermediate is converted to homoserine by the enzyme homoserine dehydrogenase.
Role in Amino Acid Biosynthesis
Homoserine serves as a precursor for the synthesis of several essential amino acids:
- Threonine: Homoserine is phosphorylated to form O-phosphohomoserine, which is then converted to threonine by threonine synthase.
- Methionine: Homoserine is first converted to O-phosphohomoserine, which is then transformed into cystathionine and subsequently into methionine through a series of reactions.
- Isoleucine: In some organisms, homoserine can be converted into isoleucine through a series of transamination and reduction reactions.
Biological Importance
Homoserine is a key intermediate in the metabolic pathways that produce essential amino acids. These amino acids are vital for protein synthesis and various metabolic functions in organisms. Since humans cannot synthesize these essential amino acids, they must be obtained through the diet.
Industrial and Research Applications
Homoserine and its derivatives are used in research to study metabolic pathways and enzyme functions. Understanding the role of homoserine in amino acid biosynthesis can lead to advances in biotechnology, such as the development of genetically engineered organisms for the production of essential amino acids.
Also see
| Encoded (proteinogenic) amino acids | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
