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Trimethylglycine (also known as Betaine) is more specifically N,N,N-trimethylglycine and is an organic compound with a structure similar to choline and a betaine. The molecular structure is (CH3)3NCH2COOH as a cation with either the carboxylic acid as the anion (loss of proton) or another anion present. The difference is that choline (trimethylaminoethanol) has been reduced from a terminal carboxylic acid to a hydroxyl group. If Trimethylglycine donates one of its methyl groups, then it becomes dimethylglycine.
Alkylated derivates of Trimethylglycine have use as quaternary ammonium zwitterionic surfactants.
Therapeutic uses
Betaine hydrochloride is used as a digestive aid; it is particularly helpful in persons with insufficient acid production in the stomach. It is sometimes given as a nutritional supplement, or used for the treatment of high homocysteine levels.Holm PI, Ueland PM, Vollset SE, Midttun O, Blom HJ, Keijzer MB, den Heijer M. (2005) Betaine and folate status as cooperative determinants of plasma homocysteine in humans. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 379-85. PMID 15550695
Biochemical mechanisms
It functions very closely with choline, folic acid, vitamin B12 and S-adenosyl methionine SAMe. All of these compounds function as "methyl donors." They carry and donate methyl functional groups to facilitate necessary chemical processes. The donation of methyl groups is important to proper liver function, cellular replication, and detoxification reactions. Betaine also plays a role in the manufacture of carnitine and serves to protect the kidneys from damage.
Trimethylglycine in Molecular Biology
Trimethylglycine is an adjuvant of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and of all DNA polymerisation based assays such as DNA sequencing. By an unknown Function it aids in the prevention of secondary structures in the DNA molecules and prevents the problems associated with the amplification and sequencing of GC rich regions. Trimethylglycine makes Guanosine and Cytidine (Strong binders) behave with thermodynamics similar to those of Thymidine and Adenosine (Weak Binders). It is best used at a final concentration of 1M.
References
External links
- USDA Database for the Choline Content of Common Foods - including the data on choline metabolites, such as betaine, in 434 food items.
"Trimethylglycine"