glutathione

[ gloo-tuh-thahy-ohn ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a crystalline, water-soluble peptide of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine, C 10 H 17 N 3 O 6 S, found in blood and in animal and plant tissues, and important in tissue oxidations and in the activation of some enzymes.

glutathione

/ ˌɡluːtəˈθaɪəʊn; -θaɪˈəʊn /

noun

1. biochem a tripeptide consisting of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine: important in biological oxidations and the activation of some enzymes. Formula: C 10 H 17 N 3 O 6 S

glutathione

/ glo̅o̅′tə-thī′ōn′ /

1. A polypeptide consisting of glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid that occurs widely in plant and animal tissues. It is important in cellular respiration in both plants and animals, and serves as a cofactor for many enzymes. It is a major protective mechanism against oxidative stress. For example, it protects red blood cells from hydrogen peroxide, a toxic byproduct of certain metabolic reactions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of glutathione¹

First recorded in 1920–25; gluta(mic acid) + thi- + -one

Word History and Origins

Origin of glutathione¹

C20: from gluta ( mic acid ) + thi- + -one

Example Sentences

Sulfur boosts glutathione because glutathione is, in part, made up of sulfur molecules, explains Hyman.

From The Daily Beast