Like proline, it is usually not found in alpha helices because of its small size, and it is the only amino acid which does not exhibit chirality.
The condensation of this compound and succinyl-coA results in the synthesis of ALA, which is the first step of heme synthesis. Every third residue in collagen features this amino acid, and the interconversion between this compound and serine is performed by serine hydroxymethylase. The presence of this amino acid is obligatory for the opening of channels of the NMDA receptors, and it functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Like proline, it is usually not found in alpha helices because of its small size, and it is the only amino acid which does not exhibit chirality. For 10 points, identify this simplest of the amino acids.
The condensation of this compound and succinyl-coA results in the synthesis of ALA, which is the first step of heme synthesis.
glycine