Home Technical Information Amino Acids Isoleucine
Isoleucine (symbol Ile or I) is categorized as a non-polar, uncharged (at physiological pH), branched-chain, aliphatic amino acid. In plants, isoleucine can be synthesized from threonine and methionine. In both plants and bacteria, the synthesis of isoleucine from pyruvate involves the utilization of leucine biosynthesis enzymes. Beyond its role as a nutrient, isoleucine has been found to participate in the regulation of glucose metabolism. Additionally, isoleucine is an essential component of numerous proteins. As an essential amino acid, isoleucine must be obtained through ingestion, as its absence would disrupt protein production within cells. Fetal hemoglobin is one example of a protein that relies on isoleucine. Isoleucine is present in the gamma chain of fetal hemoglobin and is crucial for its proper formation. The codons AUU, AUC, and AUA encode isoleucine.
Structure | ![]() |
CAS Number | 73-32-5 |
Classification |
Hydrophobic amino acids (nonpolar amino acids), including |
Categories |
Isoleucine biosynthesis Related Compounds | |
127-17-3 | Pyruvate |
(S)-2-Acetolactate | |
3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid | |
(R)-2,3-Dihydroxy-3-methylbutanoate | |
759-05-7 | 3-Methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid |
72-18-4 | L-Valine |
600-18-0 | 2-Oxobutanoate |
(S)-2-Aceto-2-hydroxybutanoate | |
(R)-3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate | |
(R)-2,3-Dihydroxy-3-methylpentanoate | |
(S)-3-Methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid | |
73-32-5 | L-Isoleucine |