CYSTEINE Meaning and
Definition
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Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that it can be produced by the human body and is not necessary to obtain through diet. It contains a thiol (-SH) group in its side chain, which makes it unique among amino acids. This thiol group is highly reactive and can undergo oxidation and reduction reactions, making cysteine a crucial component in many biological processes.
Cysteine is considered a semi-essential amino acid because its production requires the presence of adequate levels of methionine, another amino acid. It acts as a building block for proteins, participating in the formation of disulfide bonds between different cysteine residues. These disulfide bonds contribute to the stability and structure of proteins, such as enzymes and antibodies.
Moreover, cysteine plays a vital role in the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant present in nearly all cells of the body. Glutathione helps protect cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species, free radicals, and toxins. Thus, cysteine indirectly supports the body's defense against oxidative stress and supports overall cellular health.
In the field of nutrition, cysteine is often supplemented for its potential health benefits. It can aid in liver detoxification, promote healthy hair and skin, and support immune function. Additionally, cysteine is sometimes used as a flavor enhancer in food products due to its ability to interact with Maillard reaction products, which contribute to the formation of desirable aromas and flavors.
Common Misspellings for CYSTEINE
Etymology of CYSTEINE
The word "cysteine" comes from the Greek word "kustis", meaning "bladder" or "sac". It is named so because early biochemists discovered this amino acid in the bladder stones of cows. In 1899, the German chemist Emil Fischer isolated the compound and coined the name "cysteine" to reflect its origins.
Similar spelling words for CYSTEINE
- SASDN,
- sistina,
- sistani,
- seston,
- n-acetyl-cysteine,
- ZSDN,
- cystine-calculi,
- cystin,
- XCITN,
- Cyesteine,
- susitna,
- l-cysteine,
- SJSTEN,
- syston,
- sustain,
- SUSTN,
- cystein,
- cysteine-rich,
- Sicyedon,
- cestone,
- sawston,
- SYSDYN,
- SISTAN,
- sisseton,
- seisdon,
- Sestine,
- Sistine,
- xyston,
- al-sistani,
- cyston,
- matanuska-susitna,
- sestina,
- szczytno,
- cystine,
- siston.
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