Lysine

Herpes simplex virus proteins are rich in L-arginine, and tissue culture studies indicate a potentiating effect on viral replication when the ratio of L-arginine to L-lysine amino acids is elevated in the tissue culture medium. When the L-lysine to L-arginine ratio is high, viral replication and cytopathogenicity o‍‍‍‍‍‍​​​‍​​​​​​f the herpes simplex virus have been inhibited. L-lysine may facilitate calcium absorption from the small intestine. Lysine is an amino acid with a highly polar side chain, making it highly hydrophilic. Lysine carries a positive charge at neutral pH. The side chains of lysine and arginine are the longest among the twenty amino acids. Lysine aids in bone growth by assisting in collagen formation; furthermore, it is a component of bones, cartilage, and other connective tissues. Decarboxylation of lysine yields cadaverine (1,5-diaminopentane). Lysine accounts for approximately 8% of the amino acids in proteins in the human body.