methionine (Met M)

Term: methionine (Met M)

Literally meaning: “pertaining to methyl and sulfur”

Origin: Anc Greek

μέθη/methy(=drunkenness) + ύλη/hely (= trunk, wood)

+θείο/thio(=pertaining to god as it was used in worship)

Coined/History 

Methionine, although had discovered in 1922 by JH Muller, was named 6 years later by Barger and Coyne as a suitable contraction for γ-methiol-α-aminobutyric acid.  

Definition

Methionine is an essential amino acid which together with cysteine is the primary supplier of sulfur for the body. It assists for the removal of heavy metals such as lead and mercury and prevents liver damage. It is found in foods such as red meat, fish, beans, garlic, onions, yogurt and seeds.