What is the Difference Between Leucine and Isoleucine?

Leucine and isoleucine are two amino acids that are branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are essential for human life. They differ only by the positioning of one methyl group, which can have important consequences in α-helices, as the β-branching of isoleucine results in helix destabilization.

Key differences between leucine and isoleucine include:

• Function: While both amino acids are involved in protein synthesis, leucine is particularly effective in this area. Isoleucine, on the other hand, is better at providing energy and taking care of the immune system, managing blood glucose, detoxifying nitrogenous waste, and producing red blood cells and hemoglobin.
• Surface Exposure: Leucine side chains are generally more exposed at the protein surface than isoleucine side chains.
• Mass: Leucine and isoleucine have the same mass, making them isobaric amino acids. This similarity in mass makes them difficult to distinguish via standard mass spectrometry means.

Despite their differences, leucine and isoleucine work together effectively in the human body. They can be obtained either exclusively from whole foods or by boosting intake with supplements.

Comparative Table: Leucine vs Isoleucine

Leucine and isoleucine are essential branched-chain amino acids that play important roles in the human body. Here is a table highlighting their differences:

Both leucine and isoleucine are essential amino acids, meaning the human body cannot synthesize them, but plants and microbes can. They are both non-polar, uncharged amino acids and contain branched-chain amino acids.