Serine, denoted by the symbol Ser or S, is an α-amino acid that plays a crucial role in protein biosynthesis. It consists of an α-amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain composed of a hydroxymethyl group, classifying it as a polar amino acid. Serine holds significance in metabolism as it actively participates in the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines. It serves as the precursor to several other amino acids, including glycine and cysteine, and in bacteria, it acts as the precursor to tryptophan. Furthermore, serine acts as the precursor to numerous other metabolites, such as sphingolipids and folate, which serves as the primary donor of one-carbon fragments in biosynthesis. Under normal physiological conditions, serine can be synthesized within the human body, making it a nonessential amino acid. The codons UCU, UCC, UCA, UCG, AGU, and AGC encode serine.
Structure | ![]() |
CAS Number | 56-45-1 |
Classification |
Polar amino acids, including |
Categories |
Serine Biosynthesis Related Compounds | |
3-Phospho-D-glycerate | |
3913-50-6 | 3-Phosphonooxypyruvate |
407-41-0 | O-Phospho-L-serine |
56-45-1 | L-Serine |