threonine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Academic/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “threonine” mean?
An essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis in the body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis in the body.
A polar, hydroxy-containing amino acid with a branched side chain, encoded by the codons ACU, ACC, ACA, and ACG. It is crucial for collagen, elastin, and tooth enamel formation, as well as fat metabolism and immune function. Often used as a dietary supplement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific meaning.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general English for both regions, used exclusively in relevant technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “threonine” in a Sentence
N of threoninethreonine N (e.g., threonine supplement, threonine residue)be high/rich in threoninecontain threonineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “threonine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The enzyme threonine aldolase cleaves threonine.
American English
- The enzyme threonine aldolase cleaves threonine.
adjective
British English
- The threonine pathway was upregulated in the experiment.
American English
- The threonine pathway was upregulated in the experiment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the context of pharmaceutical, supplement, or agricultural feed industries.
Academic
Primary usage. Common in biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition, and medical research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson might encounter it on a food label or supplement bottle.
Technical
Core usage. Standard term in laboratory protocols, clinical nutrition, and biochemical discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “threonine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “threonine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “threonine”
- Misspelling: 'threanine' (confusion with 'theanine'), 'threnoine', 'theronine'.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈθrɛ.ə.niːn/ (with a short 'e') is incorrect; it has a long 'ee' sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Threonine is abundant in animal proteins like chicken, beef, fish, dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese), and also in lentils, sesame seeds, and soybeans.
Yes, threonine is one of the nine essential amino acids, meaning the human body cannot synthesize it and it must be obtained from the diet.
Its primary functions are as a building block for proteins (especially structural proteins like collagen and elastin), supporting immune system function, and aiding in fat metabolism.
While rare from food sources, very high supplemental doses of isolated threonine can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset and may increase levels of urea in the blood. It is generally safe when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
An essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis in the body.
Threonine is usually technical/academic/scientific in register.
Threonine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθriː.ə.niːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθriː.ə.niːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'three' (thre-) and 'lean' (-onine). You need **three** essential things to be **lean** and healthy: proper protein, and threonine is a key part of that protein.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING BLOCK (for proteins and tissues), a KEY (that unlocks proper metabolic function).
Practice
Quiz
Threonine is primarily classified as what?