Argin

/ˈɑrdʒɪn/ noun

Definition

An alternative or archaic name for the amino acid arginine, found in proteins throughout living organisms.

Etymology

A shortened form or variant of 'arginine,' derived from Latin 'argentum' (silver) because it forms silvery nitrate salts. Named in the 19th century when first isolated.

Kelly Says

Early biochemists named arginine after the beautiful silvery crystals it makes when combined with nitric acid—the name is literally a chemical memory of that brilliant white-silver color!

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