Leucine
From MyWiki
- α-amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
- contains an α-amino group (which is in the protonated −NH+3 form under biological conditions), an α-carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotonated −COO− form under biological conditions), and an isobutyl side chain, classifying it as a nonpolar (at physiological pH) amino acid.
- essential in humans—the body cannot synthesize it and thus must obtain from the diet.
- a major component of the subunits in ferritin, astacin, and other "buffer" proteins.
