Nutrition Atlas⌘ K

nutrient

Glutamic acid

A non-essential amino acid that helps collect and redistribute nitrogen.

Glutamate is formed in transamination reactions and can also act as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system.

A central nitrogen-transfer molecule

Many amino acids transfer their amino group to α-ketoglutarate, producing glutamate. Transamination therefore moves nitrogen between an amino acid and a carbon-based partner.

Related topics

  • Protein
    Glutamic acid is used to build Protein

    Glutamic acid is one of the amino acids used to assemble proteins.

Worth knowing

  • Its side chain carries a negative charge. Glutamate has a second carboxyl group, so its side chain is commonly negative in physiological conditions.

A closer look

Its carbon returns to the citric-acid cycle

Removing glutamate’s amino group regenerates α-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the citric-acid cycle.

References

Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.

  1. NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Essential Amino AcidsChecked 2026-09-05
  2. NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Protein CatabolismChecked 2026-09-05
  3. NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Primary Protein StructureChecked 2026-09-05
  4. NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Collagen SynthesisChecked 2026-09-05