Tryptophan

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L-isomer of Tryptophan

Tryptophan (Trp or W) is encoded by the codon UGG. It is an α-amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins.

Tryptophan has an α-amino group (which is in the –NH₃⁺ form under biological conditions), and an α-carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotonated –COO⁻ form under biological conditions). It also has a side chain indole, which makes it a non-polar aromatic amino acid. Tryptophan is essential to humans: the body cannot synthesize it, so it must be obtained from the diet.

Tryptophan is also a precursor to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin.

People get tryptophan by eating protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Tryptophan Media

• Tryptophan ball and stick model spinning

• Metabolism of l-tryptophan into serotonin and melatonin (left) and niacin (right). Transformed functional groups after each chemical reaction are highlighted in red.

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  Tryptophan biosynthesis (en)