D Glutamate is a compound commonly found in food and is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. The correct spelling of this term can be a bit perplexing. The "D" refers to the orientation of the molecule, which dictates its biological function. The word is pronounced "dee-gloo-ta-mayt" with the IPA transcription /diː ɡluːtəmeɪt/. The "glu" sound represents the glutamic acid portion of the molecule. The "mate" part refers to the salt of the acid, which is usually found in the form of monosodium glutamate or MSG.
D Glutamate, also known as D-glutamic acid or D-Glu, is a naturally occurring amino acid that serves various important functions in the human body and is classified as a non-essential amino acid. It is chemically similar to its counterpart, L-glutamate, with the only difference being the arrangement of atoms in space. D-glutamate is not typically found in proteins but is crucial in metabolic pathways and acts as a precursor for the synthesis of other important amino acids.
D-glutamate plays a significant role in the central nervous system as a neurotransmitter and is involved in several physiological processes, including learning, memory, and the regulation of neuronal activity. It functions by binding to specific glutamate receptors, influencing synaptic transmission, and modulating neural networks.
In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter, D-glutamate also participates in the production and metabolism of glutathione, an important antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage. This amino acid also contributes to the acid-base balance in the body, helping maintain proper pH levels.
Although D-glutamate is naturally produced in the human body, it can also be obtained through dietary sources like certain proteins and fermented food products. It is important to note that excessive intake of D-glutamate or its precursor, monosodium glutamate (MSG), has been associated with adverse effects such as headaches, flushing, and allergic reactions in some individuals.
In summary, D-glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid present in the body, serving as a neurotransmitter, participating in metabolic pathways, and contributing to the regulation of neural activity and antioxidant defense.
The word "D-glutamate" is derived from two main sources: D and glutamate.
1. D: In organic chemistry, D is used to denote the configuration of a molecule. It stands for dextro or dexter, which means "right" in Latin. D-glutamate specifically refers to the D configuration of the glutamate molecule.
2. Glutamate: Glutamate is a term derived from the Latin word "gluten", meaning glue or adhesive. It was named by the German chemist Karl Heinrich Ritthausen in 1866 when he discovered this substance in wheat gluten. Glutamate is an amino acid and acts as an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
Combining the D configuration symbol and the name of the amino acid glutamate, we get the term "D-glutamate", which refers to the dextro or right-handed configuration of the glutamate molecule.