Science / Chemistry / Glutamate: Ionic salts of glutamic acid used as flavor enhancers in many foods. Glutamate is usually manufactured by acid hydrolysis of vegetable proteins. Besides being a basic building block of proteins, glutamate functions as a neurotransmitter that helps neurons grow new connections; as such, glutamate plays an important role in learning and memory. At high concentrations, glutamate can function as an excitotoxin.
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Science / Chemistry / Glutamate Receptors: Glutamate receptors are protein molecules that helps gate the flow of ions across a nerve cell's membrane. They play a role in the formation of new connections between nerve cells (and so, in learning MORE
Science / Chemistry / Msg: MSG is monosodium glutamate, used as a flavor enhancer in many foods. MORE
Science / Chemistry / Excitotoxin: An excitotoxin is a toxic molecule that stimulates nerve cells so much that they are damaged or killed. Domoic acid and glutamate are examples of excitotoxins. MORE