Methyl
Groups
Methyl groups 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. There must be processes that control what
gene is turned on, or expressed, in each cell type--processes which
can produce differences in activity of at least a million fold.
These controlling processes actually determine what type of cell
it is, for example whether it is a red blood cell, a brain cell,
a muscle cell, or a skin cell. 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. Genes unnecessary for any
given cell's function are tagged by methyl groups. 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.
Abnormal placement of the methyl group tags
also develop with aging. The tags can decrease in number in some
genes, and increase in others, causing inappropriate decreases or
increases in the activity of the affected genes. Theses changes
of the methyl groups might be responsible for the variety of changes
in cellular functions that occur during aging.
Frequent abnormal increases or decreases
in DNA methyl group tags are found in most forms of cancer. These
methyl group inconsistencies contribute to the cancer’s development.
If the genes affected happen to involve regulating cell proliferation,
uncontrolled cell division can occur.
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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