MOLECULE

Diaminopimelic acid

Diaminopimelic acid, also known as LL-2,6-diaminopimelate or DAPA, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as l-alpha-amino acids. These are alpha amino acids which have the L-configuration of the alpha-carbon atom. A Diaminopimelic acid in which both chiral centres have S configuration. Diaminopimelic acid is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. Diaminopimelic acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of the human body, Diaminopimelic acid has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as breadfruits, horned melons, daikon radish, malabar spinachs, and hard wheats. This could make diaminopimelic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Diaminopimelic acid is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.