leucine

American  

[loo-seen, -sin] / ˈlu sin, -sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble amino acid, C 6 H 13 NO 2 , obtained by the decomposition of proteins and made synthetically: essential in the nutrition of humans and animals. Leu; L

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leucine British  

/ ˈluːsɪn, ˈluːsiːn /

noun

1. an essential amino acid found in many proteins

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leucine Scientific  

/ lo̅o̅′sēn′ /

1. An essential amino acid. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₁₃ NO ₂ .

2. See more at amino acid

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Etymology

Origin of leucine

First recorded in 1820–30; leuc- + -ine ¹

Compare meaning

How does leucine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• isoleucine vs. leucine

Example Sentences

"We were thrilled to discover that a cell's nutrient status, especially its leucine levels, directly impacts energy production," said Dr. Qiaochu Li, the study's first author.

From Science Daily

He says that some US consumers are now seeking out beta-lactoglobulin, which is high in the amino acid leucine, rather than non-specific whey protein.

From BBC

This was not the feared 226L mutation: The amino acid had changed to a histidine instead of leucine.

From Science Magazine

Lo and behold, when they switched a glutamine to a leucine at position 226, it no longer bound to the bird receptors, but instead exclusively to those of humans.

From Los Angeles Times

So, proteins with a greater leucine content are generally considered better for muscle growth.

From Salon