Selenoamino Acids: Decrease of Radiation Damage to Amino Acids and Proteins

Selenomethionine and selenocystine protect amino acid and protein systems from radiation damage. Selenoamino acids are more powerful protectors than the analogous sulfur amino acids and other known -SH protectors. Free-radical scavenger and repair mechanisms by which selenoamino acids react with induced free radicals may be the key reactions in the biological function of logical function of selenium.