Methyl
Donor
A methyl donor is any substance that can transfer
a methyl group, a carbon atom attached to three hydrogen atoms,
to another substance. There are numerous vital biochemical processes
that rely on this methylation process, including the metabolism
of lipids, neurotransmitters, and DNA. It is believed that adequate
methylation of DNA can prevent the expression of harmful genes,
like cancer genes. The body’s ability to methylate is believed
to decline with age, potentially contributing to the aging process.
These methyl groups transferred by methyl donors
are essential to the structure and function of every cell in the
human body. The information to make the cells of all living organisms
is contained in their DNA. Every cell in the human body (except
genes which determine gender development) contains two copies of
every one of our genes--one copy of each gene coming from the mother
and one copy from the father. Not every gene should be expressed
in every cell of our bodies—brain cells have the same DNA as red
blood cells, but must develop quite differently to function. Therefore,
processes that control what gene is turned on, or expressed, in
each cell type are needed--these processes can produce differences
in activity of at least a million fold. The controlling processes
actually determine what type of cell it is. One level of control
is provided by adding a small "tag" called a methyl group
onto part of the base that makes up a cell’s DNA. Methyl groups
tag genes unnecessary for any given cell’s function. The number
and placement of the methyl tags provides a signal saying that the
gene should not be expressed. Any abnormalities in the normal pattern
of methyl group tags can cause genetic birth defects. Without methyl
donors, this process would not be possible.
Everyday Nutrient Nutraceuticals:
Essential Seven
Everyday Nutrient Related Topics:
Arteries, Blood
Vessels, Cellular
Health, Choline, DNA,
Essential Amino
Acids, Essential Seven,
Folic Acid, Free
Radicals, Healthy Cells,
Heart Supplements,
Immune System, Methionine,
Methyl Donors, Methyl
Groups, Vitamin B12
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