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Selenocompounds in Plants and Animals and their Biological Significance

Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

Address reprint requests to: P. D. Whanger, PhD, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331. E-mail: phil.whanger{at}orst.edu

There are several selenocompounds in tissues of plants and animals. Selenate is the major inorganic selenocompound found in both animal and plant tissues. Selenocysteine is the predominant selenoamino acid in tissues when inorganic selenium is given to animals. Selenomethionine is the major selenocompound found initially in animals given this selenoamino acid, but is converted with time afterwards to selenocysteine. Selenomethionine is the major selenocompound in cereal grains, grassland legumes and soybeans. Selenomethionine can also be the major selenocompound in selenium enriched yeast, but the amount can vary markedly depending upon the growth conditions. Se-methylselenocysteine is the major selenocompound in selenium enriched plants such as garlic, onions, broccoli florets and sprouts, and wild leeks.

Key words: selenomethionine, selenocysteine, Se-methylselenocysteine, nonprotein selenoamino acids, selenite, selenate, plants, yeast, animals

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