hydroxyloalanine

Hydroxyloalanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not one of the 20 standard amino acids used in protein synthesis. It is characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the alanine side chain. This modification can occur through enzymatic or chemical processes.

One notable source of hydroxyloalanine is in certain plant-derived proteins, particularly those found in the seeds of legumes. For instance, it is a component of the storage proteins in soybeans and other beans. The presence and amount of hydroxyloalanine can vary depending on the plant species and environmental factors.

Functionally, hydroxyloalanine's role in biological systems is not as extensively studied as its proteinogenic counterparts. However, its presence in plant tissues may contribute to structural integrity or act as a precursor for other compounds. Research into its specific biological activities and potential applications is ongoing. Due to its non-standard nature, it is not typically incorporated into proteins during ribosomal translation. Instead, it is usually a result of post-translational modification or is found in specific, non-proteinaceous structures.