Sarcosine
Sarcosine
Sarcosine (/sɑːrˈkoʊziːn/), also known as N-methylglycine, is a natural amino acid found in biological tissues.
Etymology
The term "sarcosine" is derived from the Greek word "sarkos", meaning "flesh". It was first isolated and named by the German chemist Justus von Liebig in 1847.
Definition
Sarcosine is an intermediate and byproduct in glycine synthesis and degradation. It is a methyl derivative of the amino acid glycine and is metabolized to glycine by the enzyme sarcosine dehydrogenase.
Role in the Body
In the human body, sarcosine is found in almost every type of biological tissue. It plays a crucial role in the metabolism of methionine and folate. It is also involved in the biosynthesis of several important compounds and biomolecules, including creatine, purines, and glutathione.
Medical Significance
Sarcosine has been studied for its potential role in mental health disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Some research suggests that sarcosine may be beneficial in the treatment of this disorder, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sarcosine
- Wikipedia's article - Sarcosine
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