HOMOVANILLIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Homovanillic acid is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C9H10O4. It is a metabolite derived from the breakdown of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the human body. Homovanillic acid is formed through the enzymatic oxidation of dopamine in neurons, and it is subsequently excreted in the urine.
In terms of its chemical structure, homovanillic acid belongs to a class of compounds known as catecholamines, which are aromatic amino acids. It consists of a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached at positions 3 and 4. Additionally, there is a carboxylic acid functional group (-COOH) attached to the benzene ring, making it an organic acid.
In medical and scientific contexts, the measurement of homovanillic acid levels is often conducted to assess dopamine metabolism within the body. Abnormal levels can indicate various disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and certain neuroendocrine tumors. By analyzing homovanillic acid levels in urine or cerebrospinal fluid, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the functioning of the dopamine system and potential pathologies.
Overall, homovanillic acid plays a significant role in providing information about dopamine metabolism and related disorders within the human body.
Common Misspellings for HOMOVANILLIC ACID
- gomovanillic acid
- bomovanillic acid
- nomovanillic acid
- jomovanillic acid
- uomovanillic acid
- yomovanillic acid
- himovanillic acid
- hkmovanillic acid
- hlmovanillic acid
- hpmovanillic acid
- h0movanillic acid
- h9movanillic acid
- honovanillic acid
- hokovanillic acid
- hojovanillic acid
- homivanillic acid
- homkvanillic acid
- homlvanillic acid
- hompvanillic acid
- hom0vanillic acid
Etymology of HOMOVANILLIC ACID
The word "homovanillic acid" has its etymology rooted in the scientific nomenclature of organic compounds.
In the name "homovanillic acid", the term "homovanillic" consists of two parts: "homo-" and "vanillic".
The prefix "homo-" in organic chemistry is commonly used to indicate that a compound is structurally similar to another compound, in this case, vanillic acid.
"Vanillic acid" refers to a compound called vanillin, which is a well-known flavor compound found in vanilla beans. Vanillic acid is derived from vanillin through a chemical process known as oxidation.
Therefore, "homovanillic acid" refers to an acid that is structurally similar to vanillic acid but has undergone some additional chemical modifications.
