Английская Википедия:Homarine

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Homarine (N-methyl picolinic acid betaine) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C7H7NO2.[1] It is commonly found in aquatic organisms from phytoplankton to crustaceans, although it is not found in vertebrates.[2][3]

Biological function

Homarine functions as an osmolyte by affecting the ionic strength of the cytosol and thereby maintaining osmotic pressure within the cell.[4]

Homarine may also act as a methyl group donor in the biosynthesis of various other N-methylated chemicals, such as glycine betaine and choline. The process of methyl donation converts homarine into picolinic acid and is reversible.[5]

Etymology

The name of this chemical comes from the initial discovery of the molecule in 1933 in lobster tissue:[3] the word homarine as an adjective means "of, or relating to, lobsters" (i.e. genus Homarus).

References

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