cysteine

views updated May 29 2018

cysteine A non‐essential amino acid, but nutritionally important since it spares the essential amino acid methionine. In addition to its role in protein synthesis, cysteine is important as the precursor of taurine, in formation of coenzyme A from the vitamin pantothenic acid and in formation of the tripeptide glutathione. It is used as a dough ‘improver’ in baking. See also cystine.

cysteine

views updated May 21 2018

cysteine An aliphatic, polar (see POLAR MOLECULE), alpha-amino acid that contains a sulphydryl group.

cysteine

views updated May 21 2018

cysteine An aliphatic, polar, alpha amino acid that contains a sulphydryl group.

cysteine

views updated May 23 2018

cysteine (sis-ti-een) n. a sulphur-containing amino acid that is an important constituent of many enzymes.

cysteine

views updated May 18 2018

cysteine See amino acid.