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

Vector for cloning genes into higher organisms, Which one of the following ...

Which one of the following is used as vector for cloning genes into higher organisms ? 1. Baculovirus 2. Salmonella typhimurium 3. Rhizopus nigricans 4. Retrovirus

Pathophysiology of acute glomerulonephritis, Pathophysiology   The exac...

Pathophysiology   The exact mechanism of glomerulonephritis  is still under investigation. The dies'ease is characterised by deposition  of immune complexes  consisting of anti

How to antioxidants work in cancer prevention, How to antioxidants work in ...

How to antioxidants work in Cancer Prevention? As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These force radicals, we learnt are

Protozoa, mentions chareacteristics and classificaton of protozoa?

mentions chareacteristics and classificaton of protozoa?

Process of memory, Process of Memory: There are three stages of memory E...

Process of Memory: There are three stages of memory Encoding process: It is the process of receiving sensory input and transforming it into a form or code, which can be stored.

Reproductive system of asteroidea, Reproductive System of Asteroidea S...

Reproductive System of Asteroidea Sexes are separate in several asteroids. There are ten (10) gonads, two in each arm. They emerge tuft-like or as cluster of grapes. Mature go

Eretmochelys imbricata, Ivory was much in demand for production of a variet...

Ivory was much in demand for production of a variety of jewellery and artifacts in the past. Reptile leather from crocodiles, lizards and snakes has quite a high demand for manufac

Explain the catabolic responses, Explain the Catabolic Responses? Hormo...

Explain the Catabolic Responses? Hormonal responses during the hyper inetabolic phase of infection are same as in case of injury. Serum cortisol levels are elevated, glycogen i

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