Abbrev. W, Trp
Full Name Tryptophan
Side chain type hydrophilic
Mass 204.23
pl 5.89
pK1(α-COOH) 2.46
pK2(α-+NH3) 9.41
Side chain -CH2C8H6N
Hydro- phobic yes
Polar no
Charged no
Small no
Tiny no
Aromatic or Aliphatic Aromatic
van der Waals volume 163
Codon UGG
Occurrence in proteins (%) 1.4
Remarks: Essential for humans. Behaves similarly to phenylalanine and tyrosine (see phenylalanine). Precursor of serotonin.
Tryptophan is an amino acid and essential in human nutrition. It is one of the 20 amino acids in the genetic code (codon UGG). Only the L-stereoisomer appears in mammalian protein.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that humans cannot live without consuming. Amino acids function as building blocks in protein biosynthesis.
Tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin (a neurotransmitter), melatonin (a neurohormone), and niacin. The functional group of tryptophan is indole.
Tryptophan has been implicated as a possible cause of schizophrenia in people who cannot metabolize it properly. When improperly metabolized, it creates a waste product in the brain that is toxic, causing hallucinations and delusions. Tryptophan has also been indicated as an aid for schizophrenic patients.
Tryptophan, found as a component of dietary protein, is particularly plentiful in chocolate, oats, bananas, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, meat, fish, turkey, chicken, sesame and peanuts.
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