tryptophan
/ˈtrɪptəfan
/noun [mass noun] Biochemistry
An amino acid which is a constituent of most proteins. It is an essential nutrient in the diet of vertebrates.
- An indole derivative; chemical formula: C8H6NCH2CH(NH2)COOH.
- Two known enzymes catabolize the essential amino acid tryptophan in mammals.
- For example, eggs are high in alanine and methionine; whey protein is high in tryptophan and threonine.
Origin
Late 19th century: from tryptic 'relating to trypsin' + Greek phainein 'appear'.
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