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Related Molecules

Histadine and Carnosine

Histidine is an amino acid, which is considered to be one of the most important for humans. Essential in children, the side chain containing an aromatic five-membered ring with two nitrogen atoms is very useful as an organometallic ligand and a catalytic site in enzymes. The two nitrogen atoms within the ring have different properties. The lone pair of the nitrogen attached to a hydrogen has participates in the aromaticity of the ring, making it slightly acidic. The other has its lone pair free, and so is basic. As well as the starting material for the biosynthesis of histamine, it is also used to create carnosine, an important dipeptide found in muscle and brain tissue.

Histidine Carnosine