glutamine

A polar uncharged amino acid with the formula NH2CO(CH₂)₂CH(NH₂)COOH. Glutamine is formed by the ATP-assisted addition of ammonia to glutamic acid. Breakdown is by a reversal of this reaction but without concomitant formation of ATP. Like asparagine, glutamine is important in the neutralization and storage of free ammonia. It is also an amino group donor, particularly in purine and pyrimidine synthesis.