Uricotelism, Biology

Assignment Help:

Uricotelism

In animals which inhabit extremely arid environments, ammonia is converted into  uric acid. Uric acid is least toxic, relatively insoluble and is easily precipitated. Hence, it can be excreted in solid form without loss of substantial amount of water. Pulmonate snails, terrestrial insects, squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) and birds excrete a major portion of their waste nitrogen in the form of semi-solid or solid uric acid and hence are referred to as uricotelic animals.

1807_Uricotelism.png

Figure: Uric Acid

The synthesis of uric acid from ammonia in these animals occurs by the inosinic acid pathway. This pathway was first elucidated by Buchanan and his co- workers in the 1950s in pigeon liver. Uric acid is a member of the purines. While the details of the pathway are beyond the scope of this unit, in Figure the different fragments from which the uric acid molecule is assembled is shown. The dashed lines which divide the uric acid molecule in the Figure indicate the building blocks from which its biosynthesis takes place.


Related Discussions:- Uricotelism

Kingdom, general characteristics of sponges

general characteristics of sponges

Describe in detail about the unicellular eukaryotes, Describe in detail abo...

Describe in detail about the unicellular eukaryotes Animal cel1.s and many types of unicellular eukaryotes contain centrioles, which are cylindrical in structure, about 0.15 m

Nitrogen cycle, Nitrogen is very important constituents of all organisms li...

Nitrogen is very important constituents of all organisms life  because it forms the structural parth of proteins, nucleic acids and chlorophyll molecules.               Earth 's

What about foam stability, What about foam stability? Foam stability ca...

What about foam stability? Foam stability can be determined by two factors i.e. drainage and bubble size. The volume of the liquid drained due to gravitational forces when foam

Acute and chronic tonsilitis, Acute and Chronic Tonsilitis: Tonsilitis...

Acute and Chronic Tonsilitis: Tonsilitis refers  to the inflammation of  tonsils and lymphatic tissue that are located on each side of oropharynx. Acute infection of  tonsils

Protozoan flagellates, discus the protozoan flagellates of less medical imp...

discus the protozoan flagellates of less medical importance ,outlining their development stages,normal habitants and morphological characteristics

How to compete for space and nutrients with pathogen, How do normal flora p...

How do normal flora protect against infection? a. Compete for space and nutrients with pathogens b. Release antimicrobial agents to kill pathogens c. Contribute to host health by p

Explain signal hypothesis, A classical secretory protein vary from a cytoso...

A classical secretory protein vary from a cytosolic protein by having a sequence about 13-35 amino acids long at its N-terminal end called as a signal peptide or signal sequence.

Define the healing process - root canal treatment, Define the Healing Proce...

Define the Healing Process - Root Canal Treatment The course of healing varies and depends on: 1)  Initial size of the lesion: It takes longer for larger periradicular lesio

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd