Chemistry

How is serotonin formed from tryptophan?

Can you help me illustrate these reactions? Serotonin is formed by 2 steps. first is the decarboxylation of tryptophan to form tyrptamine, second is the hydroxylation of typtamine to form 5-hydroxytyrptamine which is serotonin. JM Dear JM, It sounds like you might be doing some biochemistry homework, is that right?... Read more →

How antioxidants turn into oxidizing agents

Hi Holly, In your book, you talk about the value of antioxidants, but it seems like you also aren't wild about taken large doses of them as supplements. You say they can turn into oxidizing agents, which seems like the opposite of an antioxidant. Is that right? CJ Dear CJ,... Read more →