Translations:Amino acid/73/en
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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.