1. A nonessential amino acid found in proteins and in many plants, especially asparagus, used in biochemistry and nutrition.
Usage: biochemistry; technical

Examples

• Asparagine is one of the 20 standard amino acids found in proteins.
• The amino acid asparagine was first isolated from asparagus juice in the early 19th century.
• Asparagine plays an important role in protein synthesis and cell metabolism.
• Biochemists study asparagine to understand how cells build and break down proteins.
• Foods rich in asparagine include asparagus, potatoes, and legumes.