Isoleucine

Isoleucine (Ile, I) is one of the 22 amino acids present in proteins.

Structure of isoleucine

Like all of the amino acids, isoleucine has two functional groups: a carboxyl group (COOH) and an amine group (NH2). It has the following side chain: CH(CH3)CH2CH3, so it is a branched chain, non-polar, hydrophobic amino acid.

Function of isoleucine

Isoleucine is an essential amino acid which is therefore only obtained from the diet (eggs, meat, fish, cheese, etc.).