L-Cysteine

L-Cysteine is a proteinogenic amino acid incorporated into proteins as directed by the genetic code. 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. Cysteine is essential and limiting for the formation of glutathione, an important antioxidant, within the cell.

L-Cysteine is one of the sulfur containing proteinogenic amino acid incorporated into proteins as directed by the genetic code. 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. 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. L-cysteine can prevent DNA damage during cryopreservation and preserves semen quality.

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, to make enzyme solution in Dulbecco′s modified Eagles medium (DMEM) to establish hippocampus culture
• to test its protective effect on acrylamide induced toxicity in testis
• in the preparation of tris acetic acid extender solution for cryopreservation of semen
• as an additive to make papain digestion solution

NMDA glutamatergic receptor agonist.

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.