Betaine

[2] The pronunciation of the compound reflects its origin and first isolation from sugar beets (Beta vulgaris subsp.

[3] The original betaine, N,N,N-trimethylglycine, was named after its discovery in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp.

The addition of betaine to polymerase chain reactions improves the amplification of DNA by reducing the formation of secondary structure in GC-rich regions.

The addition of betaine may enhance the specificity of the polymerase chain reaction by eliminating the base pair composition dependence of DNA melting.

"[7] A prescription drug (Cystadane)[8] containing betaine has limited use for oral treatment of genetic homocystinuria to lower levels of homocysteine in circulating blood.