argininecontaining

Arginine-containing is a descriptive term used for any molecule that includes the amino acid arginine within its structure. Arginine is one of the 20 standard amino acids and has a positively charged guanidinium side chain at physiological pH. When arginine appears as a residue in a peptide or protein, or as part of a synthetic compound, the overall molecule is described as arginine-containing.

In biology and chemistry, arginine-containing substances occur widely. Proteins and peptides often include multiple arginine residues, influencing folding, stability, and interactions. Arginine-rich sequences are common in cell-penetrating peptides and in DNA- or RNA-binding domains, where the positive charge of the side chain facilitates binding to negatively charged nucleic acids and to cell membranes. In drug design, arginine or guanidinium groups are sometimes incorporated to enhance target affinity or cellular uptake.

Applications and significance include nutrition, medicine, and protein chemistry. L-arginine is studied for potential effects on vascular function, wound healing, and immune response, though outcomes depend on dosage and context. Many natural proteins contain arginine, and post-translational modifications of arginine residues can alter signaling pathways. Safety considerations involve potential interactions with medications and conditions affecting nitrogen metabolism; high intake of arginine-containing formulations may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals and should be used under medical guidance when applied therapeutically.

Analysis and terminology: the term arginine-containing helps categorize molecules by the presence of arginine, and identification is typically performed through sequencing, mass spectrometry, or amino acid analysis.