asparagine Definition
a nonessential amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of proteins.
Using asparagine: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "asparagine" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Asparagine is one of the twenty amino acids that make up proteins.
Example
The human body can synthesize asparagine, so it is not an essential nutrient.
Example
Asparagine is often found in high-protein foods like meat, dairy, and legumes.
Phrases with asparagine
an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of asparagine from aspartic acid and ammonia
Example
Asparagine synthetase is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of asparagine.
asparagine-linked glycosylation
a type of protein modification in which a carbohydrate molecule is attached to an asparagine residue on the protein
Example
Asparagine-linked glycosylation is an important post-translational modification that affects protein folding and function.
asparaginase
an enzyme that breaks down asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia
Example
Asparaginase is used as a chemotherapy drug to treat certain types of leukemia.
Origins of asparagine
from asparagus, from which it was first isolated
Summary: asparagine in Brief
'Asparagine' [əˈsparədʒiːn] is a nonessential amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of proteins. It is one of the twenty amino acids that make up proteins and is often found in high-protein foods like meat, dairy, and legumes. Phrases like 'asparagine synthetase' and 'asparagine-linked glycosylation' refer to specific processes involving asparagine in protein synthesis and modification.