Abstract
Publisher Summary One of the major areas of emphasis has understood the role of selenium in health. Selenium is an essential micronutrient in the diet of mammals, and this element has numerous health benefits. It has roles in cancer and heart disease prevention, inhibiting viral expression, and delaying the progression of AIDS in HIV positive patients. Selenium has been reported to have roles in immune function, male reproduction, mammalian development, and slowing the aging process. This chapter discusses the means by which amino acid selenocysteine (Sec) is biosynthesized and incorporated into protein; the generation of mouse models for elucidating the role of selenoproteins in development and health; the identity and functions of selenoproteins; and the distribution and evolution of the amino acid Sec insertion machinery among eukaryotes. Sec is biosynthesized, unlike the common biosynthetic pathways of the other 20 protein amino acids, on its transfer RNA (tRNA). The machinery for inserting Sec into protein is novel and unique to this amino acid. It is apparent that tremendous effort has been expended in evolution for inserting selenium into protein in the form of Sec as discussed in the chapter.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Progress in Nucleic Acid Research and Molecular Biology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
