Gosset Molecular Classification
Amino Acid, Non-essential Amino Acid, Aliphatic Amino Acid
Other Names
L-Asparagine, alpha-Aminosuccinamic acid, Aspartamic acid β-amide
Disease Roles
Asparagine Overview
Asparagine is a non-essential, polar, aliphatic α-amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It plays a key role in protein synthesis and nitrogen metabolism, particularly important for rapidly dividing cells such as cancer cells which often require increased amounts of this amino acid. In cell culture, L-asparagine supports healthy growth but should be freshly added to avoid toxic ammonia accumulation from deamination.
Mechanism of Action
Biological Functions
Protein synthesis
Nitrogen metabolism
Cell growth (in cell culture)
Disease Associations
Cancer (potential requirement for rapidly dividing cells)
Safety Considerations
- Toxic ammonia accumulation from deamination in cell culture