serine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Highly Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “serine” mean?
A non-essential amino acid that is a fundamental building block of proteins and is involved in metabolism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-essential amino acid that is a fundamental building block of proteins and is involved in metabolism.
Serine is a polar, hydrophilic amino acid important for the synthesis of other biomolecules like phospholipids and neurotransmitters, and is a key component of the catalytic sites of many enzymes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or pronunciation differences. The scientific term is identical in both dialects.
Connotations
Exclusively scientific/technical. No colloquial connotations exist.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside scientific contexts. Its frequency is identical in both varieties within those contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “serine” in a Sentence
Serine is a [noun: amino acid].The [enzyme] cleaves at a serine residue.[Protein name] is phosphorylated on serine 205.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “serine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The serine protease inhibitor was effective.
- They studied the serine biosynthesis pathway.
American English
- The serine protease activity was measured.
- We identified a key serine phosphorylation site.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear only in highly specialized biotech/pharma reports.
Academic
Core term in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and medical science papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. May be encountered on advanced nutrition/supplement labels.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Found in research, laboratory protocols, and scientific discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “serine”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “serine”
- Mispronouncing it as /səˈriːn/ (like 'serene').
- Using it as a common noun or adjective outside a scientific context.
- Misspelling as 'sereine' or 'serin' (a type of finch).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, serine is generally classified as a non-essential amino acid because the human body can synthesize it from other metabolites, like glycine.
It is a large class of enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins, using a serine residue in their active site as a key part of their catalytic mechanism. Digestive enzymes like trypsin are examples.
Yes, serine is found in protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy, soy, peanuts, and wheat gluten. Dietary intake supplements the body's own production.
The addition or removal of a phosphate group (phosphorylation/dephosphorylation) on serine residues is a ubiquitous and crucial mechanism for regulating protein function and transmitting signals within cells.
A non-essential amino acid that is a fundamental building block of proteins and is involved in metabolism.
Serine is usually highly technical / scientific in register.
Serine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛriːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SERINE is the SERENE, polar amino acid that helps keep protein structures calm and functional in water.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRICK / BUILDING BLOCK (in the construction of proteins). A SWITCH (when phosphorylated, it can turn enzyme activity on/off).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'serine' primarily used?