Jump to content

RGD Amino Acid Lettering Convention


Xittenn

Recommended Posts

How is it that Arginine is labeled R and Aspartate is labeled D? Is there a source on the list, the 'magic 20' at least with their respective letter and a reason why? I assume this is something similar to Pb Lead-Plumbum? I don't remember this from the biochemistry books I've read. They where all from the 70's, would that have mattered?

 

I will be receiving my fully up to date biochemistry reference title, but not for another three weeks!:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not sure there's actually any reason for the choices. Some are evident, such as A for Alanine or C for Cysteine; others slightly less so, but still you can see why, such as F for Phenylalanine.

 

I'm guessing when they got to lettering Aspartate, Glutamate, Glutamine, and the others with seemingly random letters they just used those remaining.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think either of those are the case, though hermanntrude's suggestion is more likely. I remember being told that a few are alphabetical, after a fashion; e.g. Asp is D; Glu, which is one carbon longer, is E. Honestly not sure though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.