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 is the goal of biological classification, The goals of biological clas...

The goals of biological classification The world of animal diversity is quite complex and it requires an ability to recognise similarities and differences among organisms. Class

Phospholipids - conjugated lipids, PHOSPHOLIPIDS Most abundant lipid...

PHOSPHOLIPIDS Most abundant lipid present in cell membrane, also called membrane lipid. It is made up of lipid & phosphoric acid. The basic phospholipid is phosphat

Determine the patellar reflex, How is it explained that a person with the s...

How is it explained that a person with the spinal cord sectioned at the cervical level is still able to perform the patellar reflex? The arch reflex depends only on the integr

Show biological diversity is meiosis or mitosis, Q. For the biological dive...

Q. For the biological diversity is meiosis or mitosis the more important process? Meiosis is the cell division process that allows the formation of gametes to sexual reproducti

Thyroid-stimulating hormone blood level in hypothyroidism, Q. What happens ...

Q. What happens to the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) blood level in hypothyroidism? Why is there enlargement of the thyroid in the endemic goiter disease? When there is low

Define carbohydrate requirement to avoid underweight problem, Define Carboh...

Define Carbohydrate requirement to avoid underweight problem? Liberal amounts of easy to digest carbohydrates should be included in the diet. The intake of dietary fibre should

Organic molecules, Organic Molecules Some organic molecules in life...

Organic Molecules Some organic molecules in life are Carbohydrates and Lipids à C, H and O Proteins à C, H, O, N & sometimes S Nucleic acids à C, H, O, N & P

Simple closed circulation and double closed circulation, Q. What is the dif...

Q. What is the difference between simple closed circulation and double closed circulation? Double closed circulation or Closed circulation is that in which the blood circulates

Can you explain salmonellosis, Q. Can you explain Salmonellosis Salmonel...

Q. Can you explain Salmonellosis Salmonellosis is a common food bome disease all over the world. There are approximately 1600 different strains (sero types) of Salmonell

What are three main components of cytoskeletan, What is the cytoskeleton, a...

What is the cytoskeleton, and what are three of its main components? The cytoskeleton is a network of long protein strands located in the cytosol. Three main components are

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