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Molecule

Tryptophan

L-tryptophan

Tryptophan has a large indole ring that can contribute to protein packing and absorb ultraviolet light.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

Tryptophan has a large indole ring that can contribute to protein packing and absorb ultraviolet light.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
One-letter codeW
Three-letter codeTrp
Chemical formulaC₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂
Side chainIndole aromatic ring
Show 3 more facts
Side-chain chemistryMostly nonpolar; aromatic
Human dietary contextEssential in the human diet
Protein-building setOne of the 20 standard protein-building amino acids

Follow the Connections

See how Tryptophan links to other biological records.

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

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about Tryptophan.

textbookChemical Components of a CellMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf textbookFrom RNA to proteinMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf textbookBiochemistry · Essential Amino AcidsNCBI Bookshelf · StatPearls
Research Claims

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

Tryptophan uses the residue codes Trp and W.

Tryptophan is classified as essential in the usual human diet.