Proline
Pro, P
Proline is an amino acid that is non-polar and non-charged. It is unique among the amino acids in that it has a secondary alpha-amino group that binds to the alpha-carbon rather than to the alpha-carboxyl group. This gives proline a unique structure that makes it an important component of many proteins.
Proline is often found at the ends of helices and in turns and loops of proteins. It is also important in the formation of collagen, which is a fibrous protein that gives strength and resilience to skin, bones, and other tissues. In collagen, proline is essential for the formation of hydroxyproline, which is a modified form of proline that stabilizes the structure of collagen.
Proline also has several functions in the body outside of protein synthesis. It is a precursor to the amino acid ornithine, which is involved in the urea cycle that converts ammonia into urea for excretion. Proline is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and in the regulation of oxidative stress.
Overall, proline is an important amino acid that plays a crucial role in protein structure and function, as well as in several metabolic pathways in the body.
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