alanine

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alanine

alanine , organic compound, one of the 20 amino acids commonly found in animal proteins. Only the l -stereoisomer participates in the biosynthesis of proteins (see stereochemistry ). Its side chain is a nonpolar, hydrophobic methyl group. The low reactivity of the amino acid permits silk, a protein which contains some 30% alanine, to have a simple, elongated structure with few cross-links. This contributes to the desirable features of the fiber-strength, resistance to stretching, and flexibility. Alanine is not essential to the human diet, since it can be synthesized from other cellular metabolites. It was discovered in protein in 1875.

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alanine

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Â© A Dictionary of Zoology 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

alanine An aliphatic, non-polar amino acid, classed as non-essential in the diet of animals because it can be synthesized in sufficient amounts within cells.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "alanine." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 26 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "alanine." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (November 26, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-alanine.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "alanine." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved November 26, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-alanine.html

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	Science Meets Muscle with Prolab's Newly Launched Beta Alanine Extreme(TM). Business Wire; 12/5/2007
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	Cholestech Announces CLIA Waiver for Liver Function Testing of Alanine Aminotransferase - ALT - from Food & Drug Administration. Business Wire; 4/17/2001

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