Final answer:
Glutamine is coded by the three-letter code 'Gln' and by the codons CAA and CAG in RNA. It is a nonessential amino acid synthesized in the human body, critical for protein synthesis and ammonia detoxification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three-letter code for glutamine is 'Gln'. In the context of genetic code, this code corresponds to a specific amino acid in proteins. The genetic code consists of three-base codons, where each codon specifies a particular amino acid.
For example, in RNA, the codons CAA and CAG both code for the amino acid glutamine, which is represented by the one-letter code 'Q'. Protein synthesis is dependent on these codons being read correctly to form the precise sequence of amino acids in a protein.
Glutamine itself is a nonessential amino acid in humans, which means our bodies can synthesize it. It is involved in various biochemical processes, including the transfer of nitrogen in the synthesis of other amino acids and the detoxification of ammonia via the enzyme glutamine synthetase.
This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of glutamate and ammonia into glutamine. This is key for metabolic functions and maintaining nitrogen balance in the body.