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Histidine is an amino acid that is used in biosynthesis of proteins. It was first discovered by two German Physicians Albrecht Kossel and Sven Gustaf Hedin in the year 1896. It is mostly a positively charged amino acid. Histidine consists of α- amino group, carboxylic group, and imidazole acid. In this article, we will discuss histidine, structure of histidine, chemical properties and benefits of histidine along with some important questions.
| Table of Content |
Keyterms: Histidine, Amino acid, Proteins, amino group, carboxylic group, imidazole acid, biosynthesis, carboxylic acid, nitrogen, electrons
Histidine
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- Histidine plays a vital role in biosynthesis of proteins.
- The symbol of Histidine is ‘H’ or ‘His’.
- It is a natural amino acid.
- It is formed by a carboxylic acid group (in the deprotonated –COO− form), α-amino group (in protonated –NH3+ form), and also a partially protonated imidazole side chain.
- It is a positively charged amino acid at the physiological pH.
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Structure of Histidine
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- The chemical structure of Histidine is C6H9N3O2.
- This amino acid has two nitrogen groups and ring structure in its ‘R’ group.
- It has an Imidazole chain that is aromatic at each level of ph value.
- It includes six pi electrons. Four of the electrons form 2 double bonds and two form a nitrogen pair.

Structure of Histidine
Benefits of Histidine
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- It helps in preventing clotting of blood.
- It is vital for children especially during the growing stage. So, this amino acid is given to children as a food or in supplements.
- It helps in absorption of calcium into the body and hence controlling and managing diarrhea.
- It helps in preventing internal bleeding.
- It also aids the transport of iron and copper in large amounts in the blood.
- Some of the main sources of this amino acid are dairy products, meat, and fish.

Benefits of Histidine
Chemical Properties of Histidine
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Biochemistry: The imidazole side chain is one of the most important ligands in metalloproteins. It is an element of catalytic sites. This element can be found in certain enzymes. A proton is abstracted from serine, cysteine, and threonine by using basic nitrogen of histidine. This helps in activating the Imidazole chain as a nucleophile in catalytic triads. It is used to shuttle protons when it comes to proton shuttle.
Aromaticity: Histidine has an imidazole ring that is aromatic at each level of ph value. It includes six pi electrons. Four of the electrons form 2 double bonds and two form a nitrogen pair. Due to the presence of positive charge in the electrons, formation of pi-stacking interactions is difficult.
Role of Histidine in Human Body
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- Histidine is an essential amino acid for the human body.
- It is also needed for nutritional benefits.
- It is a precursor for many important metabolites that affect the gastric secretion, immune system, renal function, and neurotransmission.
- It is a catalytic residue in many vital enzymes and proteins.
- It is also a precursor for many hormones such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone.
Things to Remember
- Histidine is an amino acid that plays an important role in biosynthesis of proteins.
- It consists of α- amino group, carboxylic group, and imidazole acid.
- Histidine is represented by the chemical abbreviation ‘H’ or ‘His’.
- The amino acid has two nitrogen groups and ring structure in its ‘R’ group.
- The chemical structure of Histidine is C6H9N3O2.
- Histidine has an Imidazole chain that is aromatic at each level of ph value.
- Histidine helps in preventing clotting of blood.
- It also aids the transport of iron and copper in large amounts in the blood.
- It is important for children especially during their growing stage.
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| Rancidity | Important Notes on Sucrose | Carbohydrates |
| Vitamins | Maltose | Nucleic Acids |
Sample Questions
Ques: Which of the following is not a natural amino acid: (1 Mark)
(a) Serine
(b) Methionine
(c) Histidine
(d) Thiamine
Ans: d) Thiamine is not a natural amino acid.
Ques: What are some of the sources of Histidine? (1 Mark)
Ans: Some of the sources of Histidine are eggs, fish, meat, nuts, soy, beans, and whole grains.
Ques: Mention the amino acids that make up the proteins in the human body. (2 Marks)
Ans: There are 20 amino acids that make up proteins in the human body. These are: histidine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, glutamine, cysteine, glutamate, arginine, aspartate, proline, serine, asparagines, alanine, glycine, and tyrosine.
Ques. Why is Histidine important for Human body? (3 Marks)
Ans: Importance of Histidine in human body:
- Histidine performs many vital functions in the human body.
- It is essential for many anti-secretory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant related functions.
- It is a catalytic residue in many vital enzymes and proteins.
- It is a precursor for many hormones.
Ques. What are the benefits of Histidine? (3 Marks)
Ans: Some of the benefits of Histidine are:
a) It aids the absorption of calcium into the body and hence controlling and managing diarrhea.
b) It also helps in transport of iron and copper in large amounts in the blood.
c) It helps in preventing internal bleeding.
d) It is vital for children especially during the growing stage.
Ques: Write a note on chemical properties of Histidine. (3 Marks)
Ans: Histidine is represented by the chemical abbreviation ‘H’ or ‘His’. The amino acid has two nitrogen groups and ring structure in its ‘R’ group. The chemical structure of Histidine is C6H9N3O2. Histidine has an Imidazole chain that is aromatic at each level of ph value. It includes six pi electrons. Four of the electrons form 2 double bonds and two form a nitrogen pair.
Ques: Mention some of the sources of Vitamin B1 and B2 and list out the diseases that deficiencies of these hormones can lead to. (3 Marks)
Ans: Vitamin B1 is also called Thiamine. A few sources of Vitamin B1 are cereals, milk, yeast, and green vegetables. Deficiency of Vitamin B1 can lead to Beri beri disease which leads to retarted growth and loss of appetite. Vitamin B2 is also called Riboflavin. Some sources of Vitamin B2 are eggwhite and milk. Kidney and liver also produce Vitamin B2 for the body. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause burning sensation on skin, Cheilosis, and other digestive disorders.
Ques: Write a note on Vitamins. (5 Marks)
Ans: Vitamins are chemical substances that are needed by the body, in small amounts, for growth and to carry out some essential biological functions. Vitamins can be classified into two categories:
- Water soluble Vitamins
Our body can’t store water-soluble vitamins as they are soluble in water and exit our body with urine. So our regular diets should have a good portion of such vitamins. Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C are water soluble vitamins.
- Fat soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the adipose tissues. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K are fat-soluble.
Vitamins are really essential for our body and deficiency of vitamins can lead to many diseases and other health related issues.
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