Threonine

Threonine Supplier in Europe

Threonine, an essential amino acid, plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and the overall maintenance of the body’s functions.

The human body cannot produce threonine on its own, making dietary intake necessary to meet physiological needs.

This amino acid supports numerous processes, including immune function and gut health, which highlights its significance in human nutrition.

Beyond its vital role within the body, threonine’s presence in a variety of foods makes it accessible for those looking to maintain or improve their health.

Foods such as meat, dairy, and certain plant-based sources like lentils and quinoa are rich in threonine.

Incorporating threonine into the diet is a simple yet effective way to support muscle growth, tissue repair, and a healthy immune system.

Understanding how this amino acid contributes to various bodily functions underscores its importance in everyday nutrition.

Chemical Structure of Threonine

Threonine, an essential amino acid, is one of the proteinogenic amino acids. Its chemical formula is C₄H₉NO₃, and its systematic IUPAC name is 2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid.

The structure of threonine features a central carbon atom, known as the alpha carbon. Attached to this central carbon are four groups: a hydrogen atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a hydroxyl group attached to a hydrocarbon chain.

Key Aspects:

• Amino Group: The presence of an amino group (-NH₂) gives threonine its basic characteristic.
• Carboxyl Group: The carboxyl group (-COOH) contributes to its acidic nature.
• Hydroxyl Group: The additional hydroxyl group (-OH) is a defining feature, making threonine polar and hydrophilic.

Threonine’s Stereochemistry

Threonine is unique among amino acids as it possesses two chiral centers. This results in four stereoisomers, though only the L-threonine form is found in proteins.

The dual chiral centers add complexity to its stereochemistry, which influences biochemical interactions.

Importance of Hydroxyl Group

The hydroxyl group in threonine is capable of forming hydrogen bonds, significantly influencing protein structure and function. This ability allows threonine to participate in phosphorylation, a critical biological process affecting protein activity and signaling pathways.