Molecule
Selenocysteine
L-selenocysteine
Selenocysteine is a rare amino acid that cells can insert into certain proteins using a special recoding system.
Overview
EXPLORE BY LEVELSelenocysteine is a rare A small molecule cells use to build proteins. that cells can insert into certain proteins using a special recoding system.
Quick Facts
AT A GLANCEOne-letter codeU
Three-letter codeSec
Chemical formulaC₃H₇NO₂Se
Side chainSelenol group (–CH₂–SeH)
Show 4 more facts
Side-chain chemistryRare genetically encoded amino acid; sulfur analogue of cysteine with selenium
Human dietary contextMade and inserted by specialized cellular machinery; not classified as a standard dietary amino acid
Protein-building setRare, genetically encoded protein-building amino acid
Genetic-code noteUGA can be recoded to specify U (Sec)
Follow the Connections
See how Selenocysteine links to other biological records.
All 2 Structured Connections
Recommended Reading
Trusted references for learning more about Selenocysteine.
Research Claims
Selenocysteine is a genetically encoded amino acid that can be incorporated into proteins.