Reciprocal Net Site sponsor
   Site Info    |    Search
Aspartic Acid - Reciprocal Net Common Molecule Log in
You will need to download and install a Java plug-in in order to view this applet. Download Sun's Java plug-in from here.
TIP > Click and drag your mouse inside the applet above to rotate the molecule in 3-D. Applet instructions...

Switch to another visualization applet:

> miniJaMM open in new window...
- JaMM1
- JaMM2

Aspartic Acid

Aspartate is a nonessential amino acid that is produced in the liver.

Chemical Formula: C4H7N1O4
Other names: 2-Amino-succinic acid
Layman's explanation: Aspartate was first isolated in 1868 from legumin in plant seeds. Aspartic acid forms colorless crystals that are soluble in water and insoluble in alcohols and ethers. This is a naturally occurring nonessential amino acid that is produced in the liver from oxaloacetic acid, but is plentiful in meats and sprouting seeds. The amino acid is important in the Kreb’s cycle as well as the urea cycle, where it is vital in the elimination of dietary waste products. Aspartic acid is required for stamina, brain and neural health. This acid has been found to be important in the functioning of ribonucleic acid (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and in the production of immunoglobin and antibody synthesis. A deficiency of aspartate will lead to fatigue and depression. Aspartic acid has many uses that include biological and clinical studies, preparation of culture media, and it also functions as a detergent, fungicide, germicide, and metal complexation.
Keywords: nonessential amino acid, dietary waste, legumin, health

Reciprocal Net site software 0.9.1-50, copyright (c) 2002-2009, The Trustees of Indiana University
Files and data presented via this software are property of their respective owners.
Reciprocal Net is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation as part of the National Science Digital Library project. NSDL