glutamic acid
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Definition
- Noun:
- An amino acid occurring in proteins: Glutamic acid is one of the twenty standard amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins in living organisms.
- Important in the nitrogen metabolism of plants: It plays a crucial role in how plants process and utilize nitrogen.
- Used in monosodium glutamate to enhance the flavor of meats: Its sodium salt form, monosodium glutamate (MSG), is a common flavor enhancer, particularly in savory dishes.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the human body can produce it.
- The study focused on the role of glutamic acid in plant physiology.
- The ingredient list includes glutamic acid as a natural flavor enhancer.
Advanced Usage
- In Biochemistry: Often discussed in the context of neurotransmitters, as it functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain.
- The release of glutamic acid at the synapse is critical for signal transmission.
- In Food Science: Referred to when discussing "umami," the fifth basic taste, which is associated with glutamic acid and its salts.
- The savory taste of tomatoes is partly due to the presence of glutamic acid.
Variants and Related Words
- Glutamate (n): The anionic form of glutamic acid, especially common in biological and food contexts.
- Sodium glutamate is widely used as a food additive.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (n): The sodium salt of glutamic acid, specifically used as a flavor enhancer.
- Some recipes call for a pinch of monosodium glutamate.
Synonyms
- L-Glutamic Acid: The specific, naturally occurring form (isomer) of the amino acid.
- Glu (abbreviation): The standard three-letter abbreviation used in molecular biology and biochemistry.
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Glutamic acid decarboxylase: An enzyme that converts glutamic acid into another neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
- Glutamic acid residue: Refers to a single unit of glutamic acid within a protein chain.
Noun
- an amino acid occurring in proteins; important in the nitrogen metabolism of plants; used in monosodium glutamate to enhance the flavor of meats