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Molecule

Alanine

L-alanine

Alanine is a compact amino acid used to build proteins. Its small, nonpolar side chain can fit into many protein structures.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

Alanine is a compact used to build proteins. Its small, nonpolar side chain can fit into many protein structures.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
One-letter codeA
Three-letter codeAla
Chemical formulaC₃H₇NO₂
Side chainMethyl group (–CH₃)
Show 3 more facts
Side-chain chemistryNonpolar; small aliphatic side chain
Human dietary contextUsually synthesized by the human body
Protein-building setOne of the 20 standard protein-building amino acids

Follow the Connections

See how Alanine links to other biological records.

Open network
ConceptAmino AcidsincludesProcessTranslationincorporated during
All 2 Structured Connections
Amino Acids · ConceptINCLUDES →Alanine · Molecule
Alanine · MoleculeINCORPORATED DURING →Translation · Process

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about Alanine.

textbookChemical Components of a CellMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf textbookFrom RNA to proteinMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf
Research Claims

Alanine is a standard amino acid commonly used to build proteins.

Alanine uses the residue codes Ala and A.