Asparagine
Asparagine
Asparagine (pronunciation: /əˈspærədʒiːn, -dʒɪn/) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a side chain carboxamide, making it a polar, aliphatic amino acid. It is non-essential in humans, meaning the body can synthesize it as needed.
Etymology
The term "Asparagine" comes from Asparagus, the plant from which it was first isolated in 1806. The suffix "-ine" is a common ending for amino acids.
Structure
Asparagine's chemical formula is C4H8N2O3. It is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids on Earth. It has a carboxamide functional group (-CONH2), making it one of the two amide amino acids, the other being Glutamine.
Function
Asparagine plays an important role in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is involved in the synthesis of many other amino acids, and also plays a role in the metabolic control of cell functions in nerve and brain tissue.
Related Terms
- Amino Acid: Asparagine is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids.
- Protein: Asparagine is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
- Asparagus: The plant from which asparagine was first isolated.
- Glutamine: The other amide amino acid.
- Biosynthesis: The process by which living organisms produce complex molecules from simpler ones.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Asparagine
- Wikipedia's article - Asparagine
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