Glutamic acid

Glutamic acid (Glu, E or glutamate) is one of the 22 amino acids of which proteins are made.

Structure of glutamic acid

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

It is therefore a dicarboxylic polar acid amino acid.

Function of glutamic acid

As glutamic acid can be synthesised by the body from alpha-ketoglutarate, it is not an essential amino acid.

Glutamic acid is the most widely found neurotransmitter in the body.