gamma-Glutamylmethylamide facts for kids

gamma-Glutamylmethylamide
Preferred IUPAC name (2S)-2-Amino-5-(methylamino)-5-oxopentanoic acid
Other names	N-Methyl-L-glutamine; metheanine
Identifiers
CAS number	3081-62-7
PubChem	439925
DrugBank	DB03473
KEGG	C03153
ChEBI	CHEBI:58200
SMILES	O=C(NC)CC[C@H](N)C(=O)O
InChI InChI=1/C6H12N2O3/c1-8-5(9)3-2-4(7)6(10)11/h4H,2-3,7H2,1H3,(H,8,9)(H,10,11)/t4-/m0/s1
Properties
Molecular formula
Molar mass	0 g mol-1
Density	1.211 g/mL
Boiling point
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Gamma-Glutamylmethylamide (often shortened to GMA) is a special type of amino acid. Amino acids are like tiny building blocks that make up proteins in living things. GMA is very similar to two other important amino acids called glutamic acid and L-glutamine.

You can mostly find GMA in plants and fungi. Think of it as L-glutamine, but with a small chemical group called a "methyl group" added to it.

What is GMA Used For?

How Bacteria Use GMA

GMA is important for some types of bacteria. These bacteria are called methanotrophs. They use GMA to help them grow. They can use certain chemicals, like "methylated amines," as their food source. This process is very interesting to scientists. They study how bacteria use these chemicals. This research can lead to new ways of using bacteria in technology.

GMA in Green Tea

GMA is also found in green tea. It is similar to another substance in green tea called theanine. Theanine is known for its calming effects. Early studies suggest that GMA might also have helpful effects on the body. For example, it might help to lower blood pressure. More research is needed to fully understand these effects.