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 principle of detection of metanil yellow, Define Principle of Detect...

Define Principle of Detection of Metanil Yellow? Non-permitted colours like lead chromate, metanil yellow, auramine, rhodamine B are used to brighten the foods especially spice

What is law or theory of demand state, What is law or theory of demand stat...

What is law or theory of demand state? The law or theory of demand states as consumers we derive satisfaction or ‘utility’ like a result of consuming a good or a service. It va

Chest and leg wound complications, Chest and Leg Wound Complications ...

Chest and Leg Wound Complications :  The patients under going CABG are usually elderly, obese and nearly a quater of them are diabetic. So sonic of them get superficial or d

Calcium control of glycogen metabolism, As we have seen, in during epinephr...

As we have seen, in during epinephrine hormonal control or glucagon, dephosphorylated   phosphorylase   kinase   is activated by being phosphorylated by protein kinase. This then a

Explain the absorption of itraconazole capsules, Explain The absorption of ...

Explain The absorption of itraconazole capsules It is decreased with concurrent use of drugs that reduce gastric acidity, such as antacids, H2-receptor blockers, proton pump in

How do antibodies work to neutralize antigens, Q. How do antibodies work to...

Q. How do antibodies work to neutralize antigens? The immunoglobulins or antibodies act to facilitate the destruction of antigens: they attract phagocytic leukocytes, they dire

What factor helps us in identifying the type of bone graft, What factor hel...

What factor helps us in identifying the type of bone graft to be used? The following factors help us in identyfying the bone graft to be used: i) Whether graft is osteoinduc

Nucleus of a spermatogonia, Plot the amount of DNA in the nucleus of a sper...

Plot the amount of DNA in the nucleus of a spermatogonia from the G1 stage prior to the first meiotic division through the completion of meiosis. Label each of the major stages of

How is lymph propelled through the lymphatics, How is lymph propelled throu...

How is lymph propelled through the lymphatics? Some of the larger lymphatics are capable to contract, or else the lymph is propelled by body muscles which contract and 'squash'

What are organic chemical groups that divide carbohydrates, What are the or...

What are the organic chemical groups that characterize carbohydrates? How are carbohydrates classified according to the presence of those groups? Carbohydrates are also called

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