noun

alanine

AL-uh-neen

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Alanine (noun) means a nonessential amino acid that occurs in most animal proteins. Example: “Alanine is one of the amino acids the body can make for itself.”

noun

biochemistry A nonessential amino acid that occurs in most animal proteins.

"Alanine is one of the amino acids the body can make for itself."

"The protein sample was found to contain a high proportion of alanine."

"Muscle tissue releases alanine into the bloodstream during exercise."

biochemistry A single molecule, residue or form of this amino acid.

"The chain included three alanines in a row."

"Researchers compared the two alanines at either end of the peptide."

How to use alanine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA basic amino acid that the body can make on its own and that turns up in most proteins.

When to use it

Alanine is a technical term used mainly in biochemistry and nutrition.

Memory tip

Because the body can produce alanine itself, it does not need to come from food, which is why it counts as nonessential.

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Common pairings

amino acid alanine alanine residue L-alanine D-alanine

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is one of the amino acids the body can make for itself.

Etymology

The name blends "aldehyde" with the ending "-anine", with an inserted "-an-" added to make the word easier to say. The German chemist Adolph Strecker first made alanine in 1850, producing it from a reaction involving acetaldehyde together with three other simple chemical compounds.

Origin: English

Rhymes for alanine

nine mine wine line sine dine fine vine thine shine Rhine Maine

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Frequently asked questions

What is alanine?

Alanine is a nonessential amino acid found in most animal proteins.

Who discovered alanine?

Adolph Strecker, a German chemist, discovered alanine in 1850.

Is alanine essential in the diet?

No, alanine is classed as nonessential because the body can produce it itself.

What is the meaning of alanine?

"alanine" (noun) means a nonessential amino acid that occurs in most animal proteins.