List of used abbreviations - RosDok - Universität Rostock
List of used abbreviations - RosDok - Universität Rostock
List of used abbreviations - RosDok - Universität Rostock
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humans: 1) the thiomethyl <strong>of</strong> methionine residues in proteins; 2) the disulfides<br />
present in proteins; and 3) sulfates present in glycosaminoglycans, steroids, and<br />
many xenobiotic metabolites. Thus, sulfur is an important constituent <strong>of</strong> amino acids,<br />
proteins, enzymes, vitamins and other biomolecules. Unlike mammalian species,<br />
plants can use inorganic sulfur for the biosynthesis <strong>of</strong> methionine from which are<br />
synthesized all the other important bioorganic sulfur compounds. Hence, sulfur<br />
deficiency occurs mainly when plants are grown in sulfur-depleted soils and when<br />
humans and animals consume low-protein diets. In recent time, the increasing<br />
prevalence <strong>of</strong> refining petroleum and the conversion <strong>of</strong> sulfur-containing metal salts<br />
and minerals into the free metals have a large impact on the balance <strong>of</strong> sulfur in the<br />
environment. Sulfur toxicity is associated mainly with high levels <strong>of</strong> volatile<br />
substances in the environment. Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a major air pollutant, may<br />
adversely affect animal and human health by causing bronchitis, bronchoconstriction,<br />
and increased pulmonary resistance. Most organic sulfur compounds in the<br />
environment are naturally occurring, as a consequence <strong>of</strong> the fact that sulfur is<br />
essential for life and two amino acids contain this element.<br />
Organosulfur compounds are <strong>of</strong>ten associated with foul odours, but ironically many <strong>of</strong><br />
the sweetest compounds known are organosulfur derivatives. Nature abounds with<br />
organosulfur compounds—sulfur is essential for life. Two <strong>of</strong> the 20 common amino<br />
acids are organosulfur compounds. Fossil fuels, coal, petroleum, and natural gas,<br />
which are derived from ancient organisms, necessarily contain organosulfur<br />
compounds, the removal <strong>of</strong> which is a major focus <strong>of</strong> oil refineries.<br />
Not all organosulfur compounds are foul-smelling pollutants. Compounds like allicin<br />
(chart 1) and ajoene (chart 2) are responsible for the odor <strong>of</strong> garlic, and lenthionine<br />
contributes to the flavor <strong>of</strong> shiitake mushrooms. Many <strong>of</strong> these natural products also<br />
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