INOSITOL PHOSPHATES Meaning and
Definition
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Inositol phosphates refer to a group of chemical compounds that are derived from inositol, a fundamental molecule found in living organisms. Inositol, also known as cyclohexanehexol, is a sugar alcohol with six hydroxyl groups. These hydroxyl groups can undergo phosphorylation, leading to the formation of inositol phosphates.
Inositol phosphates are classified into several forms based on the number and position of phosphates bound to the inositol ring. The most well-known variants are myo-inositol hexaphosphate, commonly called phytic acid, which contains six phosphates, and myo-inositol pentaphosphate, also known as phytate, which carries five phosphates. Other examples include myo-inositol tetrakisphosphate and myo-inositol trisphosphate.
Inositol phosphates are ubiquitous in nature and are found in various organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. They play vital roles in many biological processes, such as cell signaling, phosphate storage, and gene regulation.
Inositol phosphates have diverse physiological functions. For example, myo-inositol hexaphosphate acts as a potent antioxidant and helps in mineral absorption in plants. Inositol trisphosphates function as secondary messengers, modulating numerous cellular processes, including calcium signaling and hormone secretion. Phytate, found in seeds and grains, serves as a phosphorus store and is utilized as a source of energy by many organisms.
Due to their significant biological and nutritional roles, inositol phosphates have been the subject of extensive research. Understanding their structures, functions, and metabolic pathways is crucial for advancing knowledge in areas such as agriculture, animal nutrition, and human health.
Common Misspellings for INOSITOL PHOSPHATES
- unositol phosphates
- jnositol phosphates
- knositol phosphates
- onositol phosphates
- 9nositol phosphates
- 8nositol phosphates
- ibositol phosphates
- imositol phosphates
- ijositol phosphates
- ihositol phosphates
- inisitol phosphates
- inksitol phosphates
- inlsitol phosphates
- inpsitol phosphates
- in0sitol phosphates
- in9sitol phosphates
- inoaitol phosphates
- inozitol phosphates
- inoxitol phosphates
- inoditol phosphates
Etymology of INOSITOL PHOSPHATES
The word "inositol" originates from the combination of "inos" and "-itol". Inositol itself was named by combining the term "inos" with "ol". "Inos" comes from the Greek word "inos", meaning "muscle fiber", and "-ol" refers to an alcohol group (-OH) present in the compound.
The term "phosphates" derives from the Greek word "phosphoros", meaning "light-bringing". It is used to represent compounds containing a phosphate group (PO4) attached to a molecule.
When combined, "inositol phosphates" refers to the group of compounds where phosphate groups are attached to an inositol molecule.
