NB

Glutamine plays a role in a variety of biochemical functions:

1. Protein synthesis, as any other of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids

2. Lipid synthesis, especially by cancer cells.^[2][3]

3. Regulation of acid-base balance in the kidney by producing ammonium^[4]

4. Cellular energy, as a source, next to glucose^[5]

5. Nitrogen donation for many anabolic processes, including the synthesis of purines^[1]

6. Carbon donation, as a source, refilling the citric acid cycle.

1. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d} Brosnan, John T. (June 2003). "Interorgan amino acid transport and its regulation". J. Nutr. 133 (6 Suppl 1): 2068S–2072S.PMID 12771367.
2. ^ Jump up to:^{a b} Corbet C, Feron O (2015). "Metabolic and mind shifts: from glucose to glutamine and acetate addictions in cancer". Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 18 (4): 346–353.doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000178. PMID 26001655.
3. ^ Jump up to:^{a b} Gouw AM, Toal GG, Felsher DW (2016). "Metabolic vulnerabilities of MYC-induced cancer". Oncotarget. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.7223.PMID 26863454.
4. Jump up^ Hall, John E.; Guyton, Arthur C. (2006). Textbook of medical physiology(11th ed.). St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier Saunders. p. 393. ISBN 0-7216-0240-1.
5.Jump up^ Aledo, J. C. (2004). "Glutamine breakdown in rapidly dividing cells: Waste or investment?". BioEssays. 26 (7): 778–785.doi:10.1002/bies.20063. PMID 15221859.