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Chemical structure of LeucineChemical structure of Leucine

Leucine

Systematic (IUPAC) name
(S)-2-amino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid
Identifiers
CAS number 61-90-5
PubChem         6106
Chemical data
Formula C6H13NO2 
Mol. weight 131.18
Complete data


Leucine is one of the 20 common amino acids coded for by DNA. It is isomeric with isoleucine. Nutritionally, in humans, leucine is an essential amino acid.

Leucine is the most common amino acid found in proteins, and is essential for optimal growth during infancy and childhood. In adults it is essential for maintaining nitrogen equilibrium. It is suspected that Leucine plays a part in maintaining muscles by equalizing the synthesis and breakdown of proteins.

The major food sources of leucine are whole grains and milk products. Eggs, pork, beef, chicken, pulses, soybeans, and leaf vegetables are good sources of leucine.

File:Leu-stick.png

Leucine Formula (Older Version [Note the differences in the order of the elements in a molecule])


External links[]




Amino acids

Alanine | Arginine | Asparagine | Aspartic acid | Cysteine | Glutamic acid | Glutamine | Glycine | Histidine | Isoleucine | Leucine | Lysine | Methionine | Phenylalanine | Proline | Serine | Threonine | Tryptophan | Tyrosine | Valine
Essential amino acid | Protein | Peptide | Genetic code


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