This is a framework molecular model kit of the Amino Acid Serine. This is part of our new line of MicroMolecules that are one half the scale of our regular framework molecular models at 0.5 inch per 1 Angstrom. The finished molecule literally fits in the palm of your hand. No assembly required. Stay tuned for the release of all of the amino acids and other series soon to come.
This compound is one of the naturally occurring proteinogenic amino acids. Only the L-stereoisomerappears naturally in proteins. It is not essential to the human diet, since it is synthesized in the body from other metabolites, including glycine. Serine was first obtained from silk protein, a particularly rich source, in 1865 by Emil Cramer.[
Serine is important in metabolism in that it participates in the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines. It is the precursor to several amino acids including glycine and cysteine, as well as tryptophan in bacteria. It is also the precursor to numerous other metabolites, including sphingolipids and folate, which is the principal donor of one-carbon fragments in biosynthesis.
CAUTION: THESE MOLECULES CONTAIN MANY SMALL PARTS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE.