Serine

Serine (Ser or S) is an amino acid found in proteins.

Structure of serine

Like all amino acids, serine is composed of a COOH group and an NH₂group which are involved in peptide bonds. It has a relatively short side chain (CH₂OH). It is a slightly acidic polar amino acid.

Function of serine

Serine is a non-essential amino acid produced by the body.

Serine is found in many enzyme active sites and may be glycosylated and phosphorylated.

It is involved in the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines and is also one of the precursors of other amino acids (glycine, cysteine, tryptophan) and metabolites (sphingolipids, folates).