Proline

Chemical Formula: C₅H₉N₁O₂

Other names: Pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid

Layman's explanation: Proline is a cyclic aliphatic amino acid that is one of the primary building blocks of collagen, the substance that binds and supports all tissue. Lack of proline can retard collagen formation, causing joint and muscle problems. This cyclic amino acid is also a fundamental part of beta-turns between beta-strands in beta-sheets. In humans, proline is naturally formed from other amino acids in the liver, so it does not need to be obtained through diet.

Keywords: collagen, non-essential amino acid

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