nutrient
Serine
A non-essential amino acid used in proteins and one-carbon metabolism.
Serine can be made from glycolytic intermediates, and its polar side chain forms hydrogen bonds in proteins.
A polar side chain with metabolic links
Serine connects protein structure with central metabolism: its hydroxyl side chain contributes polarity, while its carbon portion can enter one-carbon and pyruvate-related pathways.
Related topics
Serine is used to build Protein
Serine is one of the amino acids used to assemble proteins.
Worth knowing
Its carbon skeleton can enter pyruvate. During catabolism, serine can contribute its carbon skeleton to pyruvate.
A closer look
Its use follows the free amino-acid pool
Serine can be incorporated into new protein or broken down as tissue needs change.
References
Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Essential Amino AcidsChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Protein CatabolismChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Primary Protein StructureChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Collagen SynthesisChecked 2026-09-05