The Chemical and Physiological Relationship between Vitamins and Amino Acids
1943; Elsevier BV; Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0083-6729(08)60254-x
ISSN2162-2620
Autores Tópico(s)Biotin and Related Studies
ResumoThe importance of amino acids as the building stones of the proteins of which protoplasm is largely composed is generally realized. It is perhaps not so generally realized that their functions in animal metabolism extend far beyond this structural function. Some of the tissue proteins, either by conjugation with an active prosthetic group or by some slight modification in structure, assume the rate of enzymes or catalyze many digestive and metabolic reactions. Many proteins, protein derivatives, and amino acid derivatives are to be found among the hormones, the important class of tissue products concerned with the regulation of metabolism and the proper use of food. In immunity, resistance to disease, and chemical defense against invasion of the body by alien substances, specific proteins possess very specific functions. These antibodies appear to be merely modifications of serum globulin. Amino acid derivatives, such as creatine, carnosine, glutathione, and ergothioneine, serve many important functions in the various tissues of the body, while bile acids, originating in part from cystine and glycine, perform important duties in the digestion of fats and the absorption of many nutrients soluble in fat solvents. This chapter discusses the somewhat fragmentary and often inconclusive evidence that has been revealed concerning the existence and the nature of chemical and physiological relationships among the various vitamins on the one hand, and the amino acids and their functional derivatives and combinations on the other.
Referência(s)