noun
- a simple amino acid found in proteins and produced naturally in the body, used in protein synthesis and energy metabolism
Usage: biochemistry term; often abbreviated as Ala or A in protein sequences
Examples
- Alanine is one of the 20 standard amino acids that make up proteins in living organisms.
- The body can synthesize alanine from other amino acids when needed.
- Alanine plays an important role in the glucose-alanine cycle during exercise.
- Muscle tissue breaks down alanine to provide energy during fasting.
- Scientists studied how alanine levels change in athletes after intense training.