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Encyclopedia :: encyclopedia : Amino acid (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-31) |
 | | Many amino acids are used to synthesize other molecules, such as tryptophan which is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and glycine which is one of the reactants in the synthesis of porphyrins such as heme. |
 | | In humans, the essential amino acids are lysine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and (in children) histidine and arginine. |
 | | Amino acids are usually classified by properties of the side chain into four groups: acidic, basic, hydrophilic (polar), and hydrophobic (nonpolar). |
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