Glutamic Acid (E)

Glutamic acid is an α-amino acid with formula C5H9O4N. It is usually abbreviated as Glu or E in biochemistry. Its molecular structure could be idealized as HOOC-CH(NH2)-(CH2)2-COOH, with two carboxyl groups -COOH and one amino group -NH2. However, in the solid state and mildly acid water solutions, the molecule assumes an electrically neutral zwitterion structure −OOC-CH(NH+3)-(CH2)2-COOH. Glutamic acid is used by almost all living beings in the biosynthesis of proteins, being specified in DNA by the codons GAA or GAG. It is non-essential in humans, meaning the body can synthesize it.