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

Is fecundation in amphibians external or internal, Is fecundation in amphib...

Is fecundation in amphibians external or internal? In this aspect are amphibians evolutionarily proximal to fishes or to reptiles? In the majority of the amphibian species fec

Off pump surgery , OFF PUMP SURGERY :  In spite of great advancements in t...

OFF PUMP SURGERY :  In spite of great advancements in techniques of cardio pulmonary bypass, it is still not physiological. There can be various complications related to perfusion

Clothes , Clothes : The concept of clothes might have started even befo...

Clothes : The concept of clothes might have started even before weaving, as an extension of  the practice of carrying food hd  implements about.  Attachments with a convenient

What is gel, What is Gels Sol is free flowing liquid at room temperatur...

What is Gels Sol is free flowing liquid at room temperature, when it becomes relatively firm, it is called a gel. There are a number of factors that affect the strengths, elast

Explain radiation sterilization, Explain radiation sterilization Variou...

Explain radiation sterilization Various studies have been conducted which show the effect of processing on vitamins especially, thiamine. In one study, which compared the effec

Define cause of vitamin a deficiency - infections, Define cause of vitamin ...

Define cause of vitamin a deficiency - Infections? During acute infections, vitamin A intake in preschool children is reduced due to impaired appetite and impaired vitamin A ab

The main causes of the loss of biological diversity, What are the main caus...

What are the main causes of the loss of biological diversity nowadays? The biggest dangers to biological diversity today are the action of humans. The most of them is the destr

Define the structure of hemicellulose, Structure of Hemicellulose When ...

Structure of Hemicellulose When compared with cellulose, it has lower degree of polymerization, more readily soluble in acid and alkali and non-fibrous. On hydrolysis, it predo

Explain conventional amphotericin, Conventional amphotericin Amphoteri...

Conventional amphotericin Amphotericin B deoxycholate (Fungizone, and others), the old non-lipid formulation of amphotericin, is by far the least expensive, but the developmen

Explain interferon alfa, Interferon alfa In about one third of adults a...

Interferon alfa In about one third of adults and children with chronic hepatitis B, treatment with interferon alfa-2b leads to loss of HBeAg, return to normal aminotransferase

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