In human body, methionine is synthesized from ?
**Core Concept**
Methionine is an essential amino acid, which means it cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet. This is in contrast to non-essential amino acids, which can be synthesized from other amino acids or intermediates in the body.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the synthesis of proteins, phospholipids, and other biomolecules. The human body cannot synthesize methionine due to the absence of a suitable enzyme, cystathionine gamma-lyase, which is necessary for its biosynthesis. As a result, methionine must be obtained through dietary sources, making it an essential amino acid.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Cysteine is also an essential amino acid in humans, and it cannot be synthesized from methionine. Instead, methionine is involved in the transsulfuration pathway, where it is converted to cysteine, but not the other way around.
**Option B:** Proline is a non-essential amino acid that can be synthesized from glutamate via the enzyme pyrrolidine-5-carboxylate reductase. It is not involved in the biosynthesis of methionine.
**Option C:** Threonine is also an essential amino acid, but it is not involved in the biosynthesis of methionine. Threonine is synthesized from aspartate and acetyl-CoA via the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that while methionine is an essential amino acid, it can be converted to homocysteine in the body, which can then be further metabolized to cysteine or excreted in the urine. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to various diseases, including cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.
**β Correct Answer: D. None. Methionine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body.**