Aspartic is an amino acid that is commonly found in proteins. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /əˈspɑːtɪk/. The first syllable is pronounced like the unstressed schwa sound, followed by the stressed /ˈspɑː/ sound, and ending with the /tɪk/ sound. The spelling of this word can be confusing as it may be mistaken for other words such as "aspartame" or "asparagus". However, by breaking down the phonetics of the word, it becomes easier to remember and correctly pronounce.
Aspartic is an adjective that pertains to or relates to aspartic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in living organisms. This term is specifically used in the context of biochemistry, chemistry, and physiology.
Aspartic acid, which is also known as aspartate, plays an important role in the structure and function of proteins. It is one of the 20 amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Aspartic acid contributes to the formation of the peptide bonds that link amino acids together in protein chains. These protein chains then fold into their specific three-dimensional shapes, which determine their functions in the body.
The adjective "aspartic" is often used to describe compounds or substances that contain or are derived from aspartic acid. For example, "aspartic acid residue" refers to the remaining part of a molecule after one aspartic acid has been removed, and "aspartic acid decarboxylase" is an enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of aspartic acid.
Overall, the term "aspartic" refers to anything related to or derived from aspartic acid, making it an essential concept in the fields of biochemistry and physiology.
The word "aspartic" is derived from "aspartic acid", which is an amino acid. The term "aspartic" originates from the Latin word "aspartum", which means "lump of earth", referring to its crystalline structure. Aspartic acid was first discovered and isolated in the early 19th century by French chemists, who named it after its appearance. The name "aspartic acid" was later shortened to "aspartic" in common usage.