Tag: Guanidinium group

Arginine is definitively classified as a basic amino acid, a characteristic attributed to its unique side chain. Unlike acidic amino acids, which contain an extra carboxyl group, arginine possesses a highly basic guanidinium group, leading to a net positive charge under physiological conditions. This fundamental property is crucial for its various roles in biological processes, from protein synthesis to nitric oxide production.

Both lysine and arginine are well-known basic amino acids with positively charged side chains, but from a chemical standpoint, one is significantly more basic than the other. This article will reveal **what is more basic, lysine or arginine** and delve into the fascinating chemical and nutritional reasons behind this difference, highlighting how their unique properties influence their roles in the human body and diet.