alanine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “alanine” mean?
A non-essential amino acid, one of the building blocks of proteins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-essential amino acid, one of the building blocks of proteins.
In biochemistry, a crystalline, water-soluble amino acid (C₃H₇NO₂) that is a key metabolite in the glucose-alanine cycle between tissues and the liver.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. Pronunciations are essentially identical.
Connotations
None beyond the scientific context.
Frequency
Equally low in general discourse but standard in relevant scientific fields in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “alanine” in a Sentence
[quantifier] of alaninealanine [verb of existence/composition] in [protein/tissue][protein] contains [quantifier] alanineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alanine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The alanine residue was modified.
- Alanine supplementation is common.
American English
- The alanine residue was modified.
- Alanine supplementation is common.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only in the context of pharmaceutical, biotech, or supplement industries.
Academic
Core term in biochemistry, molecular biology, and nutrition papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in research, lab reports, and clinical contexts (e.g., discussing liver enzyme ALT).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alanine”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alanine”
- Misspelling as 'alanin' (dropping the final 'e'), confusing it with 'allantoin' or 'albumin'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, alanine is classified as a non-essential amino acid because the human body can synthesize it.
Beta-alanine is a modified form not used in protein synthesis but is a component of the dipeptide carnosine, important for muscle buffering.
ALT is a liver enzyme. High levels in the blood suggest liver damage or disease, as it leaks from damaged liver cells.
Alanine is found in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
A non-essential amino acid, one of the building blocks of proteins.
Alanine is usually technical/scientific in register.
Alanine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæl.ə.niːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæl.ə.niːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ALANine as the amino acid for your muscles during exercise, like a friend named Alan helping you out.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING BLOCK or BRICK in the construction of proteins; a CURRENCY in the energy exchange between muscle and liver (glucose-alanine cycle).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary biological role of the glucose-alanine cycle?