Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun An amino acid, C3H7NO3, that is a common constituent of many proteins.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A colorless compound, HOCH2-CH(NH2)COOH, prepared by the action of dilute sulphuric acid on sericin. It forms monoclinic crystals, and is also called a-amino-hyaracrylic acid.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun (Chem.) one of the natural L-amino acids, obtainable as a white crystalline nitrogenous substance by the action of dilute sulphuric acid on silk gelatin. It is found in many proteins, and, having a free primary hydroxyl group on the side chain, is involved in the catalytic action at the active site of some enzymes, such as proteases. The IUPAC abbreviation for serine in protein sequences is Ser. Chemically it is 2-amino-3-hydroxy-propanoic acid (C3H7NO3), HO.CH2.CH(NH2).COOH.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun biochemistry A nonessential amino acid, CH2OH.CH(NH2)COOH, found in most animal proteins, especially silk.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a sweetish crystalline amino acid involved in the synthesis by the body of cysteine

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[ser(icin) + –ine.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Latin sericus silken.

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Examples

  • (Dang QD, Di Cera E Residue 225 determines the Na (+) - induced allosteric regulation of catalytic activity in serine proteases.

    Protein-protein Interactions 2006

  • In particular, the researchers were focusing on a group of enzymes, called serine hydrolases, that break down proteins, fats, and other molecules in cells.

    THE MEDICAL NEWS 2010

  • In one investigation, Schmitt found that enzymes called serine-class proteases, which break down proteins in the sprouting grain, can also break down beta-amylase, an important enzyme for converting carbs to simple sugars.

    Daily News & Analysis 2010

  • In one investigation, Schmitt found that enzymes called serine-class proteases, which break down proteins in the sprouting grain, can also break down beta-amylase, an important enzyme for converting carbs to simple sugars.

    PhysOrg.com - latest science and technology news stories 2010

  • In one investigation, Schmitt found that enzymes called serine-class proteases, which break down proteins in the sprouting grain, can also break down beta-amylase, an important enzyme for converting carbs to simple sugars.

    Daily News & Analysis 2010

  • In one investigation, Schmitt found that enzymes called serine-class proteases, which break down proteins in the sprouting grain, can also break down beta-amylase, an important enzyme for converting carbs to simple sugars.

    PhysOrg.com - latest science and technology news stories 2010

  • The diffraction pattern being created in the art and craft piece is that of a target called serine racemase, which is an important target in the fight against pain and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

    Science Minister launches World’s largest diffraction pattern at Diamond Light Source Thatsnews 2008

  • The diffraction pattern being created in the art and craft piece is that of a target called serine racemase, which is an important target in the fight against pain and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

    Archive 2008-11-01 Thatsnews 2008

  • The STK11 gene has the ability to produce an enzyme called "serine/threonine kinase 11" that has several important functions:

    Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) 2009

  • We put our players on a brain healthy program that included a weight-loss group, regular exercise (surprisingly many of these former elite athletes had become couch potatoes), mental exercises, and nutritional supplements that support brain health, such as fish oil, and a proprietary formula including ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, phosphatidyl serine and vinpocetine, among others.

    Daniel Amen, M.D.: Can Brain Trauma In NFL Players Be Rehabilitated? 2010

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