Both glutamine and glutamic acid belong to a class of molecules called amino acids. They share some similar chemical characteristics: both compounds contain an alkaline, nitrogen-containing amino chemical group, as well as an acid, carbon-containing carboxylic acid chemical group. Glutamic acid and glutamine differ in their unique molecular side chains: glutamic acid has a negative charge, while glutamate does not have an electrostatic charge. Both glutamic acid and glutamine are considered non-essential amino acids. Your body can produce these compounds on its own, and does not require that you consume these amino acids as part of your diet.