methionine
Definition
Noun: * An essential, sulfur-containing amino acid. It is a crystalline compound found in most dietary proteins and is necessary for normal growth and metabolism in humans and other animals.
Usage
- Methionine is a fundamental building block for proteins in the body.
- As an essential amino acid, methionine must be obtained from the diet, as the human body cannot synthesize it.
- It plays a critical role in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of other important molecules.
Examples
- Foods like eggs, fish, and sesame seeds are good dietary sources of methionine.
- A deficiency in methionine can lead to health problems related to fat metabolism and detoxification.
- The chemical structure of methionine includes a sulfur atom, which distinguishes it from other amino acids.
Advanced Usage
- In biochemistry, methionine serves as the initiator amino acid in the synthesis of nearly all eukaryotic proteins.
- Methionine restriction is a subject of scientific study for its potential effects on lifespan and metabolism in some animal models.
Variants and Related Words
- L-methionine: The specific, biologically active form of methionine found in proteins and used in nutrition.
- Methionyl: A chemical prefix or residue indicating a derivative or compound containing methionine.
Synonyms
- Essential amino acid (this is its category, not a direct synonym).
- 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (its systematic IUPAC name).
Notes on Meaning
This word has a single, specific scientific meaning in biochemistry and nutrition. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses.
Noun
-
a crystalline amino acid containing sulfur; found in most proteins and essential for nutrition
