Asparagine Amino Acid Structure Properties and Functions

Asparagine is a type of an alpha-amino acid which is amongst the 20 amino acids which are found in the animal proteins. It is useful in the protein biosynthesis. It consists of an alpha-amino group, an alpha carboxylic group, and a carboxamide, which is a side chain and distributes it in the form of polar aliphatic amino acids. The reaction between the asparagine and the reducing sugars or any other sources of the carbonyls tends to produce acrylamide in the food when it is heated to a sufficient required temperature. These products are found in the baked food items such as potato chips, french fries and toasted bread.

The aliphatic amino acids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Some of the examples include alanine, leucine, valine, isoleucine, and proline. The structure of the aliphatic compounds is either unsaturated and having double bonds, or saturated and having single bonds. They can even have triple bonds. There are many different kinds of elements which bond to the carbon chain including oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur and chlorine. They are generally flammable and often used in the form of liquefied natural gas and the form of hydrocarbons as a fuel. 

Today we will discuss the ASN amino acid, asparagine role, asparagine structure, the physical and chemical properties of asparagine, and its sources and deficiency in detail.

Asparagine Structure

The chemical structure of the asparagine amino acid is given below.

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The asparagine amino acid consists of an alpha-amino group, an alpha carboxylic group, and a side chain of carboxamide. All these classify asparagine functional groups as a polar aliphatic amino acid. However, asparagine is a non-essential amino acid in the human body since our body can synthesize it on its own. 

Physical and Chemical Properties of Asparagine Functional Group

Let us now discuss the physical and chemical properties of asparagine which are noted as follows. 

1. The chemical formula of the asparagine amino acid is C4H8N203.

2. It has a molecular mass of 132.19g/mol.

3. Under the standard conditions, it appears as a white crystal.

4. The density of asparagine is 1.543 g/cm3.

5. The melting point of asparagine is 507K and the boiling point is 711K.

6. Asparagine is partially soluble in water and has a 2.94g/100mL solubility.

7. The compound of asparagine has a structure which is an orthorhombic crystal. 

Asparagine Role

Let us now take a look at some of the functions of asparagine which are given as follows.

1. The residues of the asparagine compound are found usually in the beta-sheets at the top of alpha-helices in the form of ASX motifs and the ASX turns, which are similar to the turn motifs.

2. It helps in maintaining the equilibrium which is needed for the central nervous system in humans.

3. It also helps to control the metabolic activities of the brain.

4. Asparagine is also responsible for the proper functioning of the cells in our body and nervous system. It helps in preventing our brain from being extremely nervous or calm.

5. The asparagine amino acids are known as non-essential amino acids and are produced by our liver.

6. It also plays a crucial role in the synthesis of a huge number of proteins.

Sources of Asparagine

Asparagine is readily available in many food items. However, it is not crucial for us humans since they are incorporated from the transnational metabolic pathway. Some of the food sources of asparagine are as follows.

1. Asparagine is found in a large amount in the form of plant proteins.

2. The plant sources of asparagine include soy, whole grains, legumes, nuts, lactalbumin, whey, eggs, poultry, fish, beef, and dairy products.

3. It is also found in french fries and toasted bread.

Asparagine Deficiency

The deficiency of asparagine in the human body tends to show the following symptoms.

1. Headaches

2. Irritability

3. Confusion

4. Depression

5. Psychosis