BSC 2010C Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Isoleucine, Leucine, Valine
Document Summary
Isoleucine is one of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins and is classified as an essential amino acid because it cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained from the diet. It is an aliphatic amino acid, meaning that its side chain is a straight chain of carbon atoms. Isoleucine has a complex structure, consisting of a three-carbon chain with a branched side chain that contains four carbon atoms. Isoleucine is one of the three branched-chain amino acids (bcaas), along with leucine and valine. It plays a critical role in protein synthesis and is particularly important for the growth and repair of muscle tissue. Like leucine, isoleucine can also activate the mtor signaling pathway, which is involved in the regulation of protein synthesis and muscle growth. Isoleucine is also involved in energy metabolism, as it can be converted into acetyl-coa, a key intermediate in the production of energy in cells.
