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The Leucine Molecule
Symbol: Leu L
Molecular Weight: 131.17
Isolectric point (pH) 5.98
Molecular Formula: C 6H13N O2

Image:Leu-stick.png

 

Leucine is one of the 20 most common amino acids on Earth, and coded for by DNA. Its chemical composition is identical to that of isoleucine, but its atoms are arranged differently resulting in different properties. Nutritionally, in humans, leucine is an essential amino acid. Leucine, like isoleucine and valine, is a hydrophobic amino acid that is found on the interior of proteins and enzymes and has a significant structural role. Leucine ties glycine for the position of second most common amino acid found in proteins.

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