clhs sciblog

A new study has looked farther into the “random”, “incorrect”, “regulated error” of cells using different amino acids to protect certain proteins. At first, the placement of these amino acids was thought to random errors. It turns out, though, that cells are protecting their proteins with the methionine. The study conducted found that up to 1% of test group cells used the methionine as a bodyguard to take the hits of foreign bacteria or viruses. These foreign substances can infect the cell and eventually destroy it.

The question is asked why the cells don’t have the methionine in their genetic makeup in the first place. Scientists agree that the fact that the methionine is not part of  a cell’s DNA makes the effect of the methionine much greater. One professor from the University of Chicago compares the cell’s use of methionine to a boxing match. The methionine acts as a bodyguard to the protein, taking the hits of the invading substance. The work of methionine is that of great importance to cells that are under attack. The methionines not only have the ability to protect the protein that they are assigned to, but, especially in large numbers, they can totally defeat any bacteria or virus that poses a threat to the protein. To read more, click here.

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