- In many bacteria, plants and animals, the osmoprotectant betaine is
synthesized using different enzymes to catalyze the conversion of (1)
choline into betaine aldehyde and (2) betaine aldehyde into betaine.
- In plants, the first reaction is catalyzed by EC 1.14.15.7, whereas
in animals and many bacteria, it is catalyzed by either EC 1.1.99.1
or EC 1.1.3.17.
- The enzyme involved in the second step, EC 1.2.1.8, appears to be the
same in those plants, animals and bacteria that use two separate
enzymes.
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