生命におけるアミノ酸のキラリティの揺らぎ

抄録

  Homochiral use of l-amino acids has been regarded as a signature of life. Although ribosomal protein synthesis requires homochiral use of l-amino acids, chiral conversion from l- to d-configuration is also detected both in free amino acids and amino acid residues of proteins/peptides in non-ribosomal physiology. This paper reviews how homochirality of l-amino acids is sustained in life, with major focus on mammals, and the biological significance of use of d-amino acids.