Asparagine
ASPARAGINE is a non-essential amino acid that is metabolized in the body. Asparagine is the ß-amide of aspartic acid synthesized from aspartic acid and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This formation uses the same pathway as in the conversion of glutamic acid to glutamine. Both asparagine and glutamine are made with high-energy ATP and can return this energy when they metabolize back to aspartic acid and glutamic acid respectively. Both require Vitamin B-6 and enzymes for their formation. In plants, asparagine is a reversible combination of ammonia and aspartic acid. This is important in plant metabolism in order to preserve ammonia.
Asparagine is very active in converting one amino acid into another (amination and transamination) when the need arises. Asparagine serves as an amino donor in liver transamination processes. It also participates in metabolic control of the brain and nervous system having some therapeutic uses in these areas. In the central nervous system, asparagine is needed to maintain a balance, preventing over nervousness or being overly calm.
Other names for asparagine include: ASN, amino acid N, amino acid B, and 2-amino-butane-1,4 diotic acid-4-amide.
