Abstract
The use of isotopically labelled compounds has revolutionized our understanding of the chemistry of living systems. Nowhere is the power of this technique more apparent than in the area of methyl metabolism for here we are dealing with the fate of but a single carbon atom. Furthermore, because only one carbon is involved it has been possible to determine if and when the methyl group moves in biochemical systems as an intact CH3 radical, and alternatively if, and when, transfer of the methyl carbon involves an oxidation-reduction reaction.
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Frisell, W.R., Mackenzie, C.G. (1961). Metabolism of N and S Methyl Groups. In: Aisenberg, A.C., et al. Radioactive Isotopes in Physiology Diagnostics and Therapy / Künstliche Radioaktive Isotope in Physiologie Diagnostik und Therapie. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-49761-2_29
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