Alanine (1 letter code)
Alanine is an α-amino acid with the one-letter code “A” and the three-letter code “Ala
Alanine is an α-amino acid with the one-letter code “A” and the three-letter code “Ala.” It is commonly found in proteins and is one of the 20 amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins.
In terms of its chemical structure, alanine consists of a central carbon atom, known as the α-carbon, which is attached to a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group (COOH), an amino group (NH2), and a side chain -CH3.
The chemical formula of alanine is C3H7NO2. It has a molecular weight of approximately 89.09 g/mol.
Alanine is considered a nonpolar, aliphatic, and hydrophobic amino acid, meaning it tends to be water-insoluble and does not readily interact with water molecules. Because of its hydrophobic nature, alanine is often found in the interior of proteins, away from the aqueous environment. It plays a role in protein structure and stability.
From a biological standpoint, alanine is an important component of metabolism. It can be synthesized by the body or obtained through dietary sources. Alanine functions as a precursor for glucose production through a process called gluconeogenesis. It can also be converted into pyruvate, which participates in various pathways within the cell.
Overall, alanine is a fundamental amino acid with various roles in biology, including protein synthesis, metabolism, and maintaining cellular function.