I did look at the structure of tryptamine and tryptophan and compare them to try and make a distiction. But here's where my lack of chemical knowledge comes into play. And i don't quite understand or know where to find the information to help me understand their molecular structures. Wikipedia is insufficient because it mainly talks about metabolism of said compounds and mentions their analogues. it doesn't go into much detail on their actual structures.

All i know about this is that all tryptophans and tryptamines contain an indole ring structure. I suspect it plays a role in transportation and absortion into our bodies and into our brains. The fact that indole structures are common components of fragrances (got this from wikipedia) AND that they are called "aromatic compounds". Gives me a hunch that an indole structure is important for our cells to recognize these compounds and reject/accept them in or out of our nervous system. I base this on personal speculation. And i'd love to hear what someone actually schooled in this area has to say about this.

All speculation aside though. Can you help me understand some more by explaining or highlighting key distinctions between tryptophan and tryptamine?

I read your post thoroughly and it is certainly interesting to hear your point of view. But for now i mainly want to focus on tryptamines. And from there maybe move on to a broader point of view.

What stands out for me is that you mention;


If tryptamine is not an amino acid like tryptophan. Then what is a tryptamine and how can i classify it differently than tryptophan?

I hope my questions aren't too weak or demanding. I'm just trying to broaden my perspective out of personal interest and in an attempt to put on paper and formulate to other people what i am dying to get some confident understanding on.


PS: I meant high-school. In holland it's called "Middelbare school". I messed up in the translation. I am actually older than 18 in case you where wondering.