monoamine

biochemistry

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July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

A monoamine is a type of amine that has only one organic substituent attached to the nitrogen atom. Specifically in biochemistry, monoamines are functionally important in neural transmission. They are a class of neurotransmitters, which are chemical agents released by neurons to transmit impulses to neighboring cells.12

Examples of monoamines include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These substances play crucial roles in the nervous system, and abnormalities in their release or activity are linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as depression and Parkinson disease. Dopamine, for instance, is synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine and can serve as a precursor for other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and epinephrine.23

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neurotransmitter
Types of neurotransmitters
such as glutamate and glycine; monoamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine; peptides, such as somatostatin and opioids; and purines, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Some gaseous substances, such as nitric oxide,
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such as glutamate and glycine; monoamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine; peptides, such as somatostatin and opioids; and purines, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Some gaseous substances, such as nitric oxide,
Read More