Lecture : Bio Notes 209 - Aspartic Acid
Document Summary
Aspartic acid is one of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins, and is classified as an acidic, polar amino acid due to the presence of a carboxyl (-cooh) group in its side chain. It is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that it can be synthesized in the body. Aspartic acid plays several important roles in the body. It is involved in the biosynthesis of other amino acids, including asparagine and arginine. It is also involved in the production of energy, as it can be converted to oxaloacetate, an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which generates atp, the primary energy currency of cells. In addition to its role in energy production and amino acid biosynthesis, aspartic acid is important for maintaining the function of the nervous system. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter aspartate, which is involved in the regulation of synaptic transmission and the maintenance of neural excitability.
