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cysteine


cysteine molecule
Ball-and-stick representation of the cysteine molecule. Gray=C, red=O, blue=N, yellow=S, white=H
A sulfur-containing amino acid (HSCH2CH2COOH) that occurs in animal proteins, especially those in hair, hooves, and the keratin of skin; the HS– group in it makes it the catalytic element in some enzymes. The disulfide (S-S) links between adjacent cysteine molecules in polypeptide chains contribute to the three-dimensional molecular structure of proteins.


Related entries

   • acetylcysteine
   • homocysteine


Related category

   • BIOCHEMISTRY


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