Glutamine

Glutamine (Gln, Q) is one of the 22 amino acids present in proteins.

Structure of glutamine

Like all amino acids, glutamine has two functional groups, a carboxyl group (COOH) and an amine group (NH2). It has the following side chain: -CH2-CH2-CO-NH2. It is therefore an uncharged, polar, hydrophilic amino acid.

Function of glutamine

Glutamine is not an essential amino acid as it can be produced by the body from glutamic acid.

Glutamine is also an energy source and carbon and nitrogen donor for the production of new molecules.