Molecular Weight: 121.15
Isolectric point (pH) 5.02
Molecular Formula: C 3H7NO2 S
Cysteine
is a naturally occurring hydrophilic
("water loving") amino acid which has a sulfhydryl
(SH) group and is
found in most proteins. When it is exposed to
air it oxidizes to form cystine,
which is two cysteine molecules joined by a disulfide bond. One molecule
of water
(H2O) is the byproduct from the creation
of each molecule of cystine. Cysteine aids in
Phase II Detoxification pathway in the liver.
Cysteine also aids the metabolism of biochemicals
such as heparin, biotin, coenzyme A and glutathione.
Cysteine is plentiful in amaranth, cottage cheese,
fish, poultry, shellfish, and soy products
