Technical Information Amino Acids Leucine

Leucine

Leucine, represented by the symbol Leu or L, is an essential amino acid required for protein biosynthesis. It is classified as an α-amino acid, containing an α-amino group that exists in the protonated form (-NH3+) under biological conditions, and an α-carboxylic acid group that exists in the deprotonated form (-COO-) under biological conditions. Leucine also has a side chain consisting of an isobutyl group, which classifies it as a non-polar, aliphatic amino acid. Dietary sources of leucine include protein-rich foods such as meats, dairy products, soy products, beans, and legumes. Similar to valine and isoleucine, leucine is classified as a branched-chain amino acid. Its primary metabolic end products are acetyl-CoA and acetoacetate, making it one of the exclusively ketogenic amino acids, with lysine being the other. In humans, leucine is considered the most significant ketogenic amino acid. Additionally, leucine and its minor metabolite, β-hydroxy β-methylbutyric acid, possess pharmacological activity in humans. They have been shown to stimulate protein biosynthesis by phosphorylating the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). The genetic code encodes leucine using the codons UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA, and CUG.

Structure
CAS Number 61-90-5
Classification

Hydrophobic amino acids (nonpolar amino acids), including

Phenylalanine

Alanine

Leucine

Methionine

Isoleucine

Tryptophan

Proline

Valine
Categories
Leucine Biosynthesis Related Compounds
759-05-7 3-Methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid
72-89-9 Acetyl-CoA
alpha-Isopropylmalate
(2R,3S)-3-Isopropylmalate
816-66-0 4-Methyl-2-oxopentanoate

Leucine and Derivatives:

Leucine:

Derivatives: