lysine

American  

[lahy-seen, -sin] / ˈlaɪ sin, -sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a crystalline, basic, amino acid, H 2 N(CH2 ) 4 CH(NH2 )COOH, produced chiefly from many proteins by hydrolysis, essential in the nutrition of humans and animals. Lys; K

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lysine British  

/ ˈlaɪsiːn, -sɪn /

noun

1. an essential amino acid that occurs in proteins

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lysine Scientific  

/ lī′sēn′ /

1. An essential amino acid. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₁₄ N ₂ O ₂ .

2. See more at amino acid

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Etymology

Origin of lysine

First recorded in 1890–95; lys- + -ine ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lysine

"It was very surprising to find three lysine sites on three different proteins that correlate so highly with disease state."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 12, 2026

As part of this work, Huazhan Liu, Kachroo’s postdoctoral scholar and this study’s lead researcher, was trying to clarify how the amino acid lysine gets broken down and used in plants.

From Salon ● Mar. 5, 2025

In fact, two amino acids, lysine and ornithine, became more abundant in the gut after infection.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 15, 2024

The nonsticky, vegan lip treatments are meant to heal lips via shea butter, jojoba oil and lysine.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 14, 2024

Maize lacks digestible niacin, the amino acids lysine and tryptophan, necessary to make proteins and diets with too much maize can lead to protein deficiency and pellagra, a disease caused by lack of niacin.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

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