lysine

A  basic   amino   acid   with   the formula NH₂(CH₂)₄CH(NH₂)COOH. Lysine is synthesized from aspartic and pyruvic acids via an aldol condensation reaction; control of synthesis is through feedback inhibition of this condensation reaction by lysine. Degradation of lysine occurs via acetyl CoA and the TCA cycle. Lysine is a precursor in the synthesis of the pyridine and piperidine alkaloids, e.g. the nicotine derivative anabasine.