HYPOXANTHINE Meaning and
Definition
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Hypoxanthine is a naturally occurring compound classified as a purine base. It is a derivative of the nucleotide base purine, and is composed of an imidazole ring fused with a pyrimidine ring. Hypoxanthine is found in various types of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, where it plays a crucial role in their structure and function.
As a purine base, hypoxanthine serves as a building block for the synthesis of nucleotides, the basic units of nucleic acids. It is involved in the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation, contributing to the accurate transmission of genetic information. Hypoxanthine can also act as a precursor for the production of other biologically important molecules, such as the energy carrier molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
In addition to its role in nucleic acid metabolism, hypoxanthine has been found to play a role in various biochemical processes within the body. It is a component of several cofactors and coenzymes involved in numerous metabolic pathways, including the transfer of one-carbon groups (important for metabolism of amino acids and nucleotides) and the antioxidant system.
Hypoxanthine is excreted primarily in the urine, where it can serve as a diagnostic marker for certain diseases and metabolic disorders. Elevated levels of hypoxanthine may indicate impaired purine metabolism or increased nucleic acid breakdown, being associated with conditions such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, gout, or certain types of cancer.
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Sarcine, a leucomaine, C5H4N4O, present in the muscles and other tissues and formed during the decomposition of protein, occurring in one of the stages of the formation of urea and uric acid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOXANTHINE
Etymology of HYPOXANTHINE
The word "hypoxanthine" has a Greek origin. It is derived from two Greek words - "hypo" meaning "under" or "below", and "xanthos" meaning "yellow". The suffix "-ine" is commonly used in chemistry to indicate that a substance belongs to a specific group. In this case, "hypoxanthine" refers to a substance that is a derivative of xanthine. The yellow color of hypoxanthine, similar to other xanthine derivatives, is likely the reason behind its name.
Idioms with the word HYPOXANTHINE
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