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

Phosphate group, Shift of the phosphate group from carbon 3 to carbon 2 ...

Shift of the phosphate group from carbon 3 to carbon 2 Shift of thephosphate group form carbon 3 to carbon 2: This reversible reaction is  catalyzed by phosphoglycerate mutas

Explain an important strategy of group meetings, Explain An important strat...

Explain An important strategy of group meetings An important strategy could be to conduct small group meetings for behavioural change encouraging full participation. The group

Endocrine system, Endocrine System The nervous system brings about in...

Endocrine System The nervous system brings about integration and co-ordination of several activities of the animal. The afferent stimuli from several sense organs are brought

Explain disease typhoid, Explain disease typhoid Typhoid is often call...

Explain disease typhoid Typhoid is often called enteric  fever because the infection or bacteria is found in the intestines and attaches itself to the epithelium of  the intes

Into which classes are mollusc divided, Q Into which classes are mollusc di...

Q Into which classes are mollusc divided? What are some representing beings of each class? The phylum Mollusca is divided into five main classes: pelecypods, or bivalves (Pelec

Theory or principle of determination of the quality of milk, Explain the Th...

Explain the Theory or Principle of Determination of the Quality of Milk Milk is an ideal medium for the survival and growth of microorganisms. It contain all the nutrients, i.e

Growing roots from different parts of plants, Growing roots from different ...

Growing roots from different parts of plants Secure a box of sand and place it away from direct sunlight. Wet the sand thoroughly and keep it moist. Plant the following thi

What is the importance of water for enzymatic activity, What is the importa...

What is the importance of water for enzymatic activity? Enzymes, biological catalysts, rely on water to reach their substrates and bind to them. There is no enzymatic activity

What treatment should be used for cardiac tamponade, Q. What Treatment shou...

Q. What Treatment should be used for cardiac tamponade? Percutaneous Pericardiocentesis Cardiac tamponade is an acute emergency and percutaneous pericardiocentesis must b

Developmental biology, do you have college level developmental biologists a...

do you have college level developmental biologists available

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