Description

• General description: L-Cysteine is one of the sulfur containing proteinogenic amino acid incorporated into proteins as directed by the genetic code.[1] The thiol-side chain participates in a variety of oxidation/reduction reactions within the cell. The side chain participates in the formation of β bonds that modulate the secondary and ternary structure of proteins. L-Cysteine is an essential precursor for inorganic sulfates, coenzyme A.[1] Cysteine is an essential and limiting for the formation of glutathione, an important antioxidant, within the cell. Mammalian liver can synthesize L-cysteine and is a semi-essential amino acid. L-cysteine prevents oxidation of nerve cells, aids in maintaining the stability and rigidity of connective tissues. L-cysteine speeds up the healing process of the body and reduces inflammatory reactions. L-cysteine protects testis partially against acrylamide induced toxicity.[1] L-cysteine can prevent DNA damage during cryopreservation and preserves semen quality.[2]
• Application: L-Cysteine has been used:as a media supplement in Trypticase-Yeast Extract-Iron-Serum (TYI-S-33) media for the culture of Giardia lamblia,[3] to make enzyme solution in Dulbecco′s modified Eagles medium (DMEM) to establish hippocampus culture[4]to test its protective effect on acrylamide induced toxicity in testis[1]in the preparation of tris acetic acid extender solution for cryopreservation of semen[2]as an additive to make papain digestion solution[5]
• Biochem/physiol Actions: NMDA glutamatergic receptor agonist.
• Other Notes: L-Cysteine is used to supplement cell culture media. This product is a non-animal source amino acid useful for serum-free media formulations intended for biomanufacturing applications.