Aspartic acid

Aspartic acid (Asp, D or aspartate) is one of the 22 amino acids found in proteins.

Structure of aspartic acid

Like all the amino acids, aspartic acid has two functional groups: a carboxyl group (COOH) and an amine group (NH2). It has the following side chain: -CH2-COOH.

Aspartic acid is polar and dicarboxylic, making it the most acid of the amino acids.

Function of aspartic acid

Aspartic acid is not an essential amino acid, as it can be made by the body from oxaloacetate.

It is a urea cycle metabolite and is involved in gluconeogenesis and in the production of inosine, a nitrogen base precursor.

Aspartic acid is also a neuromediator which is less potent than glutamate.