C O N T E N T SSee AlsoDescriptionLysine is one of the 20 amino acids normally found in proteins. With its 4-aminobutyl side-chain, it is classified as a basic amino acid, along with arginine and histidine. It is an essential amino acid, and the human nutritional requirement is 1–1.5 g daily. A deficiency in lysine can result in a deficiency in niacin (which is a B Vitamin). This can cause the disease pellagra. Lysine can also be used as a nutritional supplement to help against herpes. DiscussionLysine is the limiting amino acid in all cereal grains, but is plentiful in all pulses (legumes). Fish are also quite rich in lysine. Plants that contain significant amounts of lysine include:
Lysine can undergo posttranslational modification in protein molecules, often by methylation or acetylation. Collagen contains hydroxylysine which is derived from lysine. O-Glycosylation of lysine residues in the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus is used to mark certain proteins for secretion from the cell. Lysine is metabolised in mammals to give Acetyl-CoA, via an initial transamination with α-ketoglutarate. The bacterial degradation of lysine yields cadaverine by decarboxylation. Some individuals have found that taking lysine supplements may reduce the frequency of canker sores and cold sores, the latter being derived from an infection related to the Herpes virus. Links
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