What does serine mean?
Serine is one of the twenty standard amino acids, the organic compounds from which proteins are built. Although called nonessential, this means that the human body can make it rather than that it is unimportant. Serine is produced naturally and incorporated into proteins, where its side chain can undergo chemical modifications that help regulate protein behavior. It also functions as a signaling molecule within cells and acts as an important part of the active sites of many enzymes, including proteases and racemases. In scientific writing, “serine residue” usually identifies serine within a protein, while “L-serine” specifies the naturally occurring form used in protein synthesis. The term occurs across biochemistry, medicine, genetics, nutrition, and molecular biology.
A nonessential amino acid occurring naturally in proteins and synthesized by the human body.
"Serine is needed for the synthesis of several other amino acids and cellular compounds."
Often identified as L-serine when the stereochemical form relevant to protein synthesis needs to be specified.
A residue of the amino acid serine within a protein, peptide, or other biomolecule.
"The phosphate group is transferred to a serine residue near the enzyme's active site."
This specialized use is common in biochemistry and molecular biology.
The plural is uncommon because serine is usually discussed as a type of amino acid; writers more often speak of multiple serine residues in proteins.
"The two serines form hydrogen bonds that stabilize the protein's folded structure."
Serine is both a building block of proteins and a chemical switch that helps control how cells communicate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does serine come from?
Serine was named in the nineteenth century in connection with its early isolation from silk and the study of protein chemistry. Its name is generally traced to the Latin word serum, meaning “whey,” a traditional source of protein-rich material, and is therefore related to serum and serous. The shared Latin root reflects the early association between serine and substances separated from serum during protein research.
Related word forms
How serine is actually used
In biochemistry, the unqualified form usually refers to the amino acid itself, while a serine within a protein is commonly called a serine residue. The prefix L- identifies the naturally occurring form involved in protein synthesis.