Definition of Alanine

Alanine: An amino acid, one of the 20 building blocks of protein. Alanine is not an "essential" amino acid. It is not essential to the diet, but can be made by the body from other substances. Alanine was discovered in protein in 1875. Symbol: Ala.

Definition of Acetyl coenzyme A

Acetyl coenzyme A: An important metabolic intermediate, derived from various pathways, such as glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and degradation of some amino acids. It also represents a key intermediate in lipid biosynthesis. Commonly referred to as acetyl CoA.

Definition of AAO

AAO: 1. Alert and oriented.
2. American Association of Ophthalmology, a professional organization.
3. American Academy of Otolaryngology, a professional organization.
4. American Association of Orthodontists, a professional organization.
5. Amino acid oxidase, an enzyme.