proline (Pro P)

Term: proline (Pro P)

Literally meaning: “pertaining to fire”

Origin: Anc Greek

proline

πυρ/pyr(=fire, redish) because proline is derived from pyrrolidin (C4H9N), a pyrrole with derivatives such as porphyrin and heme have red color.

Coined/History 

Proline was synthesized in 1900 by Richard Martin Willstatter (1872-1942) . One year later it was isolated from natural source (casein) by Hermann Emil Fischer (1852-1919).  In 1904 Fischer proposed the term “proline” as the previous one (α-pyrrolidin-carbonsaure) was too long for use.

Definition

Proline is a non-essential amino acid  which is necessary for collagen formation through hydroxyproline. The body biosynthesized proline from glutamic acid. 

trypsin

Term: trypsin

Literally meaning: “protein of rubbing”

Origin: Greek

τρίβω/trivo (=rub, powder, grind) > (simple past) ἔτριψα /etripsα

Coined/History

The enzyme named in 1876 by Kuhne who first described an proteolytic activity of pancreatic extract by comparing trypsin with pepsin. In 1931 J.H Northrop purified and crystallized trypsin shortly after first purifying pepsin (1930) and in addition to chemotrypsin (M Kunitz and JH Northrop).

 

Definition

Trypsin is a proteolytic enzyme that cleaves the peptide bonds at carboxy site of residues of lysine and arginine, except when either is followed by proline. Trypsin is active in the duodenum and it is produced by the pancreas after the proteolysis of proenzyme trypsinogen. Today, trypsin is used in routine protocols for cell and tissue cultures by the process of  “trypsinization”.  

ornithine

 Term: ornithine

Literally meaning: “pertaining to birds”

Origin: Anc Greek

όρνις/ornis(=bird) > όρνυμι /ornymi(=stand up, rise, stimulate)

Coined/History 

In 1877 chemist Jaffe isolated ornithine from ornithuric acid which was discovered in the urine of birds.

(Jaffe, M. 1877 Uber das Verhatten der Benzoesaure im organismus der Vogel. Beri.Deutsch. Chem. Gesellsch., 10: 1925).

Definition

ornithine

L-ornithine is an important part of urea cycle in order to dispose of excess nitrogen as it is  the result of breakdown  of L-arginine after  the action of enzyme arginase. Ornithine also helps for formation of aminoacids : proline, glutamic acid and citrulline.