| Description | O-Acetylserine is an α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH(NH2)CH2OC(O)CH3. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the common amino acid cysteine in bacteria and plants. O-Acetylserine is biosynthesized by acetylation of the serine by the enzyme serine transacetylase. The enzyme O-acetylserine (thiol)-lyase, using sulfide sources, converts this ester into cysteine, releasing acetate. O-Acetylserine belongs to the class of organic compounds known as l-alpha-amino acids. These are alpha amino acids which have the L-configuration of the alpha-carbon atom. O-Acetylserine (OASS) is an acylated amino acid derivative. O-Acetylserine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of the human body, O-Acetylserine has been detected, but not quantified in several different foods, such as okra, vaccinium (blueberry, cranberry, huckleberry), rapes, sparkleberries, and lingonberries. This could make O-acetylserine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. |
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