threoninien

Threonine is one of the twenty standard amino acids that are used by living organisms to synthesize proteins. Its name, threonine, comes from the Greek word "threose," meaning "four carbons." It is an essential amino acid, meaning that humans cannot synthesize it and must obtain it from their diet. Threonine is a chiral molecule, existing in two stereoisomeric forms: L-threonine and D-threonine. In biological systems, only L-threonine is found in proteins.

Threonine has a side chain that contains a hydroxyl group, which makes it a polar amino acid. This hydroxyl group allows threonine to form hydrogen bonds, which are important for the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Threonine plays a role in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of antibodies, the proper functioning of the immune system, and the metabolism of fats. It is also a precursor to the amino acids glycine and methionine.

Dietary sources of threonine include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and legumes. Deficiency in threonine is rare in individuals consuming a balanced diet but can occur in cases of malnutrition or certain medical conditions. Symptoms of threonine deficiency can include fatigue, nausea, and poor appetite. It is also a component of aspartame, an artificial sweetener.