Methionine is an essential amino
acid.
Amino acids generally are defined in the column on the right.
There are two types of amino acid:
* Those that can be synthesized by
the body
itself, and
*
Those
that
(are necessary
for
healthy
growth
or maintenance
of the body) but cannot be produced by the body itself.
Methionine is one of those
that are necessary
but cannot be produced within the body, and are
called "Essential
Amino Acids".
Methionine is involved in the breakdown
of fats and so helps to prevent the accumulation of fat
in body tissues such as arteries and around the digestive system. It
is an effective antioxidant because the sulphur present in methionine
can de-activate free radicals. Methionine is also used
by the body to produce a substance called creatine monohydrate -
which is needed for energy production and muscle building.
The molecular formula of methionine is:
C5H11NO2S
For further general information visit the page about Amino
Acids.
Textbooks about Amino Acids and Biochemistry
generally: |
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| The above textbooks are available from Amazon.
Click on the images for further information. |
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Amino Acids
Amino acids are important biological units sometimes called the "building
blocks" of proteins because many amino
acids together form proteins. Proteins, form much of
the structure
of cells, and cells are
the basic functional units of living organisms.
Chemistry of Amino Acids:
Amino acids are organic compounds that include both an amino group,
and a carboxyl group:
The term "organic
compound"
refers to substances whose molecular structure is based on the
presence and properties of the element carbon (chemical symbol: "C").
An "amino group" is
a group of atoms arranged in a particular configuration that
includes the elements nitrogen and hydrogen and is represented by
(-NH2).
A "carboxyl group" is
a group of atoms arranged in a particular configuration that
includes carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen and is represented by (-COOH).
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