Translations:Amino acid/73/en

Roles for nonstandard amino acids

• Carnitine is used in lipid transport.
• gamma-aminobutyric acid is a neurotransmitter.
• 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is used for experimental treatment of depression.
• L-DOPA (L-dihydroxyphenylalanine) for Parkinson's treatment,
• Eflornithine inhibits ornithine decarboxylase and used in the treatment of sleeping sickness.
• Canavanine, an analogue of arginine found in many legumes is an antifeedant, protecting the plant from predators.
• Mimosine found in some legumes, is another possible antifeedant. This compound is an analogue of tyrosine and can poison animals that graze on these plants.