AMIDOSUCCINIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Amidosuccinic acid, also known as aspartic acid or aspartate, is an alpha-amino acid that is naturally present in the body and serves as a vital building block for protein synthesis. It is classified as a non-essential amino acid, meaning that it can be synthesized by the body and is not necessarily obtained solely through the diet.
Amidosuccinic acid plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, particularly in the nervous and endocrine systems. It acts as a neurotransmitter, aiding in the transmission of messages between nerve cells. Additionally, it participates in the urea cycle, which is responsible for the elimination of ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein breakdown, from the body.
Aspartic acid can be found in significant quantities in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. It is also utilized as a food additive, especially in the production of artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Furthermore, aspartic acid is popularly used as a dietary supplement among athletes and bodybuilders due to its presumed ability to enhance endurance and athletic performance.
Due to its involvement in various physiological processes, alterations in amidosuccinic acid levels or metabolism can have profound implications for overall health. Imbalances in aspartic acid have been associated with certain neurodegenerative disorders, as well as metabolic abnormalities. Therefore, the study of amidosuccinic acid is of great importance in understanding both normal bodily functions and pathological conditions.
Etymology of AMIDOSUCCINIC ACID
The word "amidosuccinic acid" derives from its chemical composition and structure.
"Amido-" refers to the amide (-CONH2) functional group present in the molecule. It indicates the presence of an organic compound containing a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a nitrogen atom.
"Succinic acid" is a dicarboxylic acid consisting of four carbon atoms. Its name is derived from "succinum", the Latin word for amber, as this acid can be obtained from amber.
Therefore, "amidosuccinic acid" indicates that the compound is an amide derivative of succinic acid.
