a naturally occurring alpha-amino acid ((CH3)2CH.CH2.CH(NH2)-COOH), one of the building units of almost all proteins of living organisms, both animal and vegetable. It is one of the essential amino acids (not synthesized by the human body, a required component for proper nutrition), and is hydrophobic in character when bound in proteins. In isolated form it is a white, crystalline, zwitterionic substance formed, e. g. by the decomposition of proteins by pancreatic digestion, by the action of boiling dilute mineral acid, or by putrefaction. Chemically it is to be considered as amido-caproic acid. It occurs as two optical isomers, the L- and D-forms. The L-form, L-leucine, is the natural form, present in most proteins.
((CH3)2CHCH2CH(NH2)COOH) A naturally occuring aliphatic amino acid with a nonpolar side chain.
As A Treatment"Essential amino acid..." Related Topic"A white, crystalline amino acid essential for optimal growth in infants and nitrogen equilibrium in adults..."
Another essential amino acid that the body cannot manufacture, leucine must be obtained from food or supplements. It is important for protein structure, catalysis and enzyme activites (lecuine zipper-structure motif)
Leucine is one of the 20 amino acids found in biological organisms. Its three letter abreviation is Leu and its single-letter designation is L. Leucine is very hydrophobic, so it will try to associate with other hydrophobic amino acids, such as phenyalanine or valine, in the case of sickle cell anemia.
a white crystalline amino acid occurring in proteins that is essential for nutrition; obtained by the hydrolysis of most dietary proteins
Necessary for growth and development. It stimulates brain functions, is essential for blood development, regulates digestion and metabolism, assists the functions of the glandular system, increases muscular energy levels and works to lower blood sugar levels.
provides building blocks for manufacturing of essential biochemicals utilized for production of energy and stimulation to the brain.
eutral, genetically coded amino acid which is essential in human nutrition. Molecular formula: C6H13NO2 Click here for more info on leucine.
An essential amino acid obtained by the hydrolysis of protein by pancreatic enzymes during digestion and necessary for optimal growth in infants and children and for the maintenance of nitrogen balance in adults.
One of the three branched chain amino acids. They are called BCAA's because they structurally branch off another chain of atoms instead of forming a line. Studies have shown that BCAA's help to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit its breakdown, so BCAA's have powerful anabolic and anticatabolic effects on the body. They may also potentiate the release of some anabolic hormones, such as growth hormone. Regular ingestion of BCAA's help to keep the body in a state of postive nitrogen balance. In this state, your body much more readily builds muscle and burns fat. Studies have shown that athletes taking extra BCAA's have shown a loss of more bodyfat than those not taking BCAA's. Leucine appears to be the most important BCAA for athletes, as it can affect various anabolic hormones, and have an effect on preventing protein degradation. HMB is a metabolite of Leucine. Some experts have suggested that if you do not have Leucine in your body, you will not have muscle growth.
An essential amino acid in mammals. It contains an aliphatic hydrophobic sidechain. [ see schematic diagram].
an amino acid which is a constituent of proteins
A white, crystalline amino acid essential for optimal growth in infants and nitrogen equilibrium in adults. It cannot be synthesized by the body and is obtained by the hydrolysis of food protein during pancreatic enzyme digestion.
Leucine is one of the 20 common amino acids and coded for by DNA. It is isomeric with isoleucine. Nutritionally, in humans, leucine is an essential amino acid.