Glutamic Acid (Noun)
Meaning
An amino acid occurring in proteins; important in the nitrogen metabolism of plants; used in monosodium glutamate to enhance the flavor of meats.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Glutamic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many foods and is used by the body to build proteins.
- The addition of monosodium glutamate, a salt of glutamic acid, enhances the flavor of meats and other foods by stimulating the umami taste receptors on the tongue.
- In plant biology, glutamic acid plays a critical role in nitrogen metabolism and is an important precursor for the synthesis of other amino acids.
- Free glutamic acid can stimulate taste buds to sense umami flavors and is therefore commonly added to savory food products to intensify the umami taste.
- Researchers are investigating the role of glutamic acid in neurotransmitter regulation in the brain and its potential effects on conditions such as Parkinson's disease and depression.