Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid that is commonly found in plants. The phonetic transcription of this word is /əˈspærədʒɪn/, which can be broken down into individual syllables. The first syllable is pronounced as "uh", the second as "spar", the third as "uh", the fourth as "jin". When written, the spelling of asparagine is influenced by the original Latin word, asparagi, which meant asparagus. Asparagin's spelling is unique in that it is one of the few amino acids spelled with an "e" at the end, rather than "ine".
Asparagin is a non-essential amino acid, primarily found in plants and microorganisms. It is classified as a nonpolar or hydrophobic amino acid due to the presence of a side chain that lacks a charged group. This biochemical compound is derived from aspartic acid through the process of deamination, which involves removing the amino group from aspartic acid. Asparagin is an essential component of proteins, playing a critical role in the structure, function, and regulation of various biological processes within living organisms.
In addition to its role as a building block in protein synthesis, asparagin also acts as a chemical precursor to other important compounds. It serves as a starting material for the biosynthesis of aspartate, a crucial component of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which is involved in energy metabolism. Asparagin is also involved in nitrogen metabolism, as it contributes to the storage and transport of nitrogen within cells.
Asparagin is found abundantly in foods such as asparagus, legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains. It is known to have a sweet taste, contributing to the flavor of certain edible plant parts. Due to its widespread occurrence in many food sources, asparagin is considered a non-essential amino acid as the human body can synthesize it endogenously. However, an adequate dietary intake of asparagin is still important to support overall health and biochemical processes.
Althein, amidosuccinamide, occurs in rhombic crystals; obtained from asparagus shoots and the roots of marshmallow, belladonna, liquorice, and several other plants; diuretic in doses of gr. 1-2 (0.06-0.13).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "asparagin" is derived from the term "asparagus", which refers to a flowering plant that is valued for its edible shoots. This name comes from the Latin word "asparagus", which is believed to have originated from the Greek term "asparagos". The Greek word, in turn, is thought to have its roots in the Persian word "asparag", meaning "sprout" or "shoot". Over time, the word "asparagos" evolved into "asparagus" in Latin, and "asparagin" emerged as a derivative to refer specifically to a chemical substance found in asparagus.