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

What are muscle tissues, What are muscle tissues? How is the function of th...

What are muscle tissues? How is the function of this tissue related to the typical characteristics of its cells? Muscle tissues are tissues made of cells able to perform contr

Of which type of defense cell do worm infections, Q. Of which type of defen...

Q. Of which type of defense cell do worm infections stimulate the multiplication? The main leukocytes that generally participate and multiply in the defense against worm infect

Existence value of biodiversity, There may also be non-use existence values...

There may also be non-use existence values for components of biological diversity due to the value placed on biodiversity purely based on its continued existence, irrespective of w

Explain non-surgical endodontic retreatment - missed canal, Explain Non-sur...

Explain Non-surgical Endodontic Retreatment - Missed Canal Missed root canal as it hold pulp tissues and bacteria is major cause of endodontic failure. Mandibular molar

What are dna ligases, What are DNA ligases? How do these enzymes participat...

What are DNA ligases? How do these enzymes participate in the recombinant DNA technology? The DNA ligases are enzymes specialized in tying the complementary DNA chains that for

Etiologic factor of diabetes, Q. Etiologic factor of diabetes? The prec...

Q. Etiologic factor of diabetes? The precise etiology of diabetes is not known but multiple factors contribute to the disorder. These are reviewed herewith. Type I Diabetes

Name an artificial fertiliser which farmers can use, Name an artificial fer...

Name an artificial fertiliser or fertilisers which farmers can use to increase the supply of nitrate, phosphate and potassium to their crops.   NPK compound fertiliser havin

Explain nucleotides, Nucleotides Compounds  consisting of a  nitrogenou...

Nucleotides Compounds  consisting of a  nitrogenous  base,  a  pentose sugar and a phosphate group.

What are the major complications of diabetes mellitus, Q. Why do diabetic p...

Q. Why do diabetic patients often undergo dietary sugar restriction? What are the major complications of diabetes mellitus? Diabetic patients are frequently advised to ingest f

Can stroke be prevented, Can stroke be prevented Brain experts are conv...

Can stroke be prevented Brain experts are convinced that several strokes can be prevented with proper attention to lifestyle factors which increase risk, including smoking, exc

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