Methionine, symbolized as Met or M, is classified as an essential amino acid in humans. It plays a crucial role in the metabolism and overall health of various species, including humans, as it serves as a precursor for other amino acids like cysteine and taurine, versatile compounds such as SAM-e, and the important antioxidant glutathione. Methionine is also actively involved in angiogenesis, which is the process of new blood vessel growth. Additionally, supplementation of methionine may provide benefits for individuals affected by copper poisoning. However, it is worth noting that excessive methionine consumption, as it acts as the methyl group donor in DNA methylation, has been linked to cancer growth in several studies. Furthermore, methionine has been observed to increase the urinary excretion of quinidine by acidifying the urine. This can have an impact on the effectiveness of aminoglycoside antibiotics, commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, as they tend to work best in alkaline conditions. The acidification of urine due to methionine usage can diminish their efficacy. The codon AUG encodes methionine.

Structure
CAS Number 63-68-3
Classification

Hydrophobic amino acids (nonpolar amino acids), including

Phenylalanine

Alanine

Leucine

Methionine

Isoleucine

Tryptophan

Proline

Valine

Categories
Methionine Biosynthesis Related Compounds
56-84-8 L-Aspartate
22138-53-0 4-Phospho-L-aspartate
L-Aspartate 4-semialdehyde
672-15-1 L-Homoserine
1492-23-5 O-Succinyl-L-homoserine
56-88-2 L-Cystathionine
6027-13-0 L-Homocysteine
63-68-3 L-Methionine

Methionine and Derivatives:

Methionine:

Derivatives: