What is "saccharopine"

n. (context organic compound English) The amino acid ''2-[(5-amino-5-carboxy-pentyl) amino] pentanedioic acid'' that is an intermediate in the metabolism of lysine

Saccharopine is an intermediate in the metabolism of amino acid lysine. It is a precursor of lysine in the alpha-aminoadipate pathway which occurs in a few lower fungi, the higher fungi, and euglenids. In mammals and higher plants saccharopine is an intermediate in the degradation of lysine, formed by condensation of lysine and alpha-ketoglutarate.