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

Define nervous system and the it's related disorders, Define Nervous System...

Define Nervous System and the it's related disorders? In this unit, we learnt about nervous system and the related disorders, which are termed as 'neurological disorders'. Neur

Explain cognitive - behavioural approaches, Cognitive - Behavioural Approac...

Cognitive - Behavioural Approaches They includepsychoeducatiorzal and rational-emotive  therapy. The goal is to identify problem behaviour and irrational beliefs and then to de

What are the respective functions of phospholipids, Q. What are the respect...

Q. What are the respective functions of phospholipids, carbohydrates and proteins of the cell membrane? Membrane phospholipids have a structural function they form the bilipid

Define control of infections for treatment for pem, Define Control of infec...

Define Control of infections for treatment for pem? Appropriate antibiotics should be started immediately since infections are the immediate cause of death in many children. Ch

Define food availability and food access, Define Food availability and Food...

Define Food availability and Food Access? Food availability: This refers to availability of necessary types of food in sufficient quantity, to the individual. The sources may b

Concerning the number of hosts how are parasites classified, Q. Concerning ...

Q. Concerning the number of hosts how are parasites classified? The Parasites that require only one host are called as monoxenous parasites. The Parasites that need more than o

Describe any three adaptations of mangroves, Name and describe any three ad...

Name and describe any three adaptations of mangroves to the conditions prevailing in the Sunderbans.

Treatment and management of diarrhoea, Q. Treatment and Management of Diarr...

Q. Treatment and Management of Diarrhoea? You must have realized by now that diarrhoea should not be neglected and must receive prompt medical care to minimize the frequency of

What is hyperhomocysteinaemia, What is Hyperhomocysteinaemia ? Homocyst...

What is Hyperhomocysteinaemia ? Homocysteine has been considered as a risk factor for Cardio-vascular diseases because of many epidemiological and observational studies showing

What is the mechanism described by darwin, What is the mechanism described ...

What is the mechanism described by Darwin that eliminates species less adapted to environmental conditions? The mentioned mechanism is the natural selection.

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