L-Serine

Description

Serine (abbreviated as Ser or S) is an amino acid with the formula HO2CCH(NH2)CH2OH. It is one of the proteinogenic amino acids. Its codons in the genetic code are UCU, UCC, UCA, UCG, AGU and AGC. By virtue of the hydroxyl group, serine is classified as a polar amino acid.
L-serine is an amino acid essential for the synthesis of phosphatidylserine, which is a component of the membrane of brain cells (i.e., neurons). It can be produced in the body, including the brain, but an external supply from the diet is essential in maintaining necessary levels. Although preclinical studies suggest L-serine may inhibit inflammation in the brain, levels of L-serine in humans do not appear to be associated with dementia or cognitive decline. Because L-serine is a naturally occurring amino acid, supplementation is likely safe in moderation.

Description

L-Alanine1 and L-serine1 are amino acids that are necessary for the biosynthesis of proteins. They are considered “nonessential” in human diets (and those of most other animals) because they are synthesized in the body.
In 1850, long before it was discovered in and isolated from natural substances, alanine was synthesized from acetaldehyde by German chemist Adolph Strecker. Of course, Strecker made the D,L-racemate of the amino acid rather than either isomer alone.
Serine, on the other hand, was first discovered in nature, specifically in silk protein, by German chemist Emil Cramer in 1865. And, speaking of silk . . .
Alanine and serine, along with previous Molecules of the Week glycine and L-proline, are the major amino acids in spider silk proteins. Alanine-rich crystalline areas give silk strength, whereas glycine-rich amorphous regions provide elasticity.
Halloween reminds us of spiders. Spiders spin webs of silk. Silk is made up of proteins. Proteins are polymers of amino acids. Who would have thought that such simple molecules could be scary?
1All amino acids that are biosynthesized into proteins are the L-enantiomers. Some D-enantiomers appear in nature, but they are relatively rare.

The Uses of L-Serine

L-Serine has been used in the preparation of Tris-BSAN buffer for homogenization. It has also been used for quantitative analysis of excretion of polypeptides in normal urine.

What are the applications of Application

L-Serine is L-Serine is a D-amino acid synthesis reagent