Aspartic acid is a negatively charged amino acid with an acidic side chain. Aspartate is the carboxyl anion of aspartic acid. This amino acid is often found on the surface of proteins and thus affects their solubility and ionic character.
Aspartic acid is one of the 20 amino acids found in the chemical composition of proteins. It is not an essential amino acid for mammals.
Aspartate in the human body is one of the metabolites of the urea cycle and participates in gluconeogenesis.
Aspartate in the central nervous system acts as a neurotransmitter.
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