Asparagine

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

(Redirected from Altheine)

Asparagine


Asparagine is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids on Earth. It is coded for by the DNA codons AAU and AAC. A reaction between aspartic acid and ammonia produces asparagine.

History[edit | edit source]

Louis Nicolas Vauquelin, a French chemist, first isolated asparagine in 1806 from asparagus juice, from which the amino acid derives its name. It was the first amino acid to be isolated.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Asparagine, a non-essential amino acid, has a carboxamide functional group (-CONH2), making it one of the two amide amino acids, the other being glutamine. The side chain of asparagine can make hydrogen bonds, which can influence the protein folding, structure, and stability.

Function[edit | edit source]

Asparagine plays an important role in the biosynthesis of many molecules for the functioning of the body. It is involved in the synthesis of glycoproteins and proteins. Asparagine also plays a role in the metabolic control of cell functions and the release of energy from carbohydrate, fat, and protein.

Dietary Sources[edit | edit source]

Asparagine is found in a variety of dietary sources. It is abundant in asparagus, hence the name. Other sources include dairy products, poultry, beef, eggs, fish, legumes, potatoes, and whole grains.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Asparagine is generally considered safe for consumption. However, there is some evidence that asparagine can promote the spread of breast cancer, although more research is needed in this area.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Template:Amino-acids

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD