Serine

Serine

Serine (/ˈsɛriːn/; abbreviated as Ser or S) is an amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain consisting of a hydroxymethyl group, classifying it as a polar amino acid.

Etymology

The name Serine is derived from the Latin word sericum, meaning silk, due to its smooth and silk-like texture.

Structure

Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning it can be synthesized by the human body. It is one of the 20 standard amino acids encoded by the genetic code. Its codons are UCU, UCC, UCA, UCG, AGU, and AGC.

Function

Serine plays an important role in the catalytic function of many enzymes. It has been shown to occur in the active sites of chymotrypsin, trypsin, and many other enzymes. The so-called nerve gases and many substances used in insecticides have been shown to act by combining with a residue of serine in the active site of acetylcholine esterase, inhibiting the enzyme completely.

Related Terms

• Amino Acid
• Protein
• Biosynthesis
• Hydroxymethyl group
• Carboxyl group
• Amino group
• Enzyme
• Acetylcholine esterase
• Chymotrypsin
• Trypsin

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Serine
• Wikipedia's article - Serine

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