− | Trypotophan is a component of structural proteins and the presence of the hydrophobic side-chain induces a fold in the protein structure. In addition to being required for normal growth, tryptophan is a precursor of [[Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Nutrition|niacin]], key metabolic coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP); and it is the precursor the neurotransmitters serotonin and [[melatonin]]<ref name="Stipanuk">Stipanuk MH and Watford M. Amino acid metabolism. In Biohemical and physiologic aspects of human nutrition. 2000 Philidelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company p. 276.</ref>. | + | Trypotophan is a component of structural proteins and the presence of the hydrophobic side-chain induces a fold in the protein structure. In addition to being required for normal growth, tryptophan is a precursor of [[Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Nutrition|niacin]], key metabolic coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP); and it is the precursor the [[Neurotransmitters - Anatomy & Physiology|neurotransmitters]] serotonin and [[melatonin]]<ref name="Stipanuk">Stipanuk MH and Watford M. Amino acid metabolism. In Biohemical and physiologic aspects of human nutrition. 2000 Philidelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company p. 276.</ref>. |