Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

ARGININE

Biochemistry, Physiology, Chemistry & Physics

Also known as: Arginic acid, Guanidino-aminovaleric acid

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Arginine is a diamino acid belonging to the group of hexonic bases. It was first found in the seeds of many plants and later identified as an unchanged product of protein decomposition. Arginine is particularly abundant in protamines and can be obtained synthetically.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

ARGININE, guanidino-aminovaleric acid, [NH2.C.NH.NHCH2.(CH2)3.CHNH2.COOH], a diamino acid belonging to the group of hexonic bases (see). First found in the seeds of many plants, A. was later identified as an unchanged product of protein decomposition. Particularly rich in A. are protamines. Arginine has also been obtained synthetically. Easily soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol. Rotates the plane of polarization to the right. As a fairly strong base, A. forms salts with acids. Under the action of the enzyme arginase or upon hydrolysis with barium water, arginine breaks down into urea and ornithine.

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Cite this page

“ARGININE.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/arginine/