Definition

Noun: A crystalline, non-essential amino acid derived from the modification of the amino acid proline. It is a major component of collagen and gelatin, where it is crucial for stabilizing the triple-helix structure of collagen molecules, providing strength to connective tissues like skin, bones, and tendons.

Usage and Examples

• As a subject:
• As an object:
• With a preposition:

Advanced Usage

• In Biochemistry/Medicine: Hydroxyproline is a biomarker. Its urinary excretion level is often measured clinically to assess the rate of collagen breakdown in conditions like bone disorders (e.g., Paget's disease) or metastatic bone disease.
  • Elevated urinary hydroxyproline can indicate increased bone resorption.

Variants and Related Words

• Hydroxyprolinemia (n): A rare metabolic disorder characterized by an excess of hydroxyproline in the blood and urine.
• Proline (n): The precursor amino acid that is hydroxylated (has an -OH group added) to form hydroxyproline.

Synonyms and Related Terms

• 4-Hydroxyproline (n): The specific, most common isomer found in collagen.
• Hyp (n): A common three-letter abbreviation used in biochemistry and sequence notation (e.g., in describing collagen sequences like Gly-X-Hyp, where X is another amino acid).

Notes on Meaning

• Key Distinction: Unlike standard amino acids, hydroxyproline is not coded for by DNA in the genetic code. Instead, it is formed by a post-translational modification, where proline residues in a collagen chain are hydroxylated by enzymes (prolyl hydroxylase) after the protein chain is synthesized. This process requires vitamin C.

Noun

1. a crystalline amino acid obtained from gelatin or collagen