Question

Give the name of the amino acid represented by each of the following three- letter abbreviations: a. Trp b. Met c. Pro d. Gly

Short answer

a. Tryptophan, b. Methionine, c. Proline, d. Glycine

Step-by-step solution

Identify 'Trp'

The three-letter abbreviation 'Trp' stands for Tryptophan.

Identify 'Met'

The three-letter abbreviation 'Met' stands for Methionine.

Identify 'Pro'

The three-letter abbreviation 'Pro' stands for Proline.

Identify 'Gly'

The three-letter abbreviation 'Gly' stands for Glycine.

Key concepts

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize on its own.
It must be obtained through the diet.
Tryptophan's three-letter abbreviation is 'Trp' and its one-letter abbreviation is 'W'.

Tryptophan plays a key role in:

• Protein synthesis
• Production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite
• Production of melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep-wake cycles

High tryptophan foods include turkey, chicken, milk, nuts, and seeds.
When you hear someone talk about feeling sleepy after a big meal, it is often attributed to tryptophan, especially in turkey!

Methionine

Methionine is another essential amino acid, meaning the body can't produce it and it must be taken in through food.
Its three-letter abbreviation is 'Met' and its one-letter abbreviation is 'M'.

Methionine is important for:

• Starting protein synthesis, as it is often the first amino acid in the sequence
• Production of cysteine and taurine
• Detoxification and metabolism

Methionine is rich in foods such as eggs, fish, and some meats.
It's also needed for the growth and repair of tissues, and keeping skin and nails healthy.

Proline

Proline is a unique amino acid due to its structure and function.
Its three-letter abbreviation is 'Pro' and its one-letter abbreviation is 'P'.
Proline is not essential, meaning our bodies can produce it.

It is essential for:

• Maintaining the shape of proteins, particularly in collagen
• Wound healing
• Cartilage development and repair

Foods such as dairy products, meat, and grains are good sources of proline.
Because of its unique ring structure, proline causes bends and kinks in protein chains, influencing protein conformation.

Glycine

Glycine is the smallest amino acid with a simple structure.
Its three-letter abbreviation is 'Gly' and its one-letter abbreviation is 'G'.
Glycine can be produced by the body, so it is not essential.

Key roles of glycine include:

• Collagen synthesis, aiding in skin, connective tissue, and bone health
• Acting as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
• Detoxification processes in the liver

Rich sources of glycine are meats, fish, dairy products, and legumes.
Glycine also helps regulate blood sugar levels and is involved in the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.