MERCAPTURIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Mercapturic acid is a chemical compound that belongs to a class of substances called thiols or sulfur-containing organic compounds. It is derived from the conjugation of a thiol group (sulfhydryl) with glutathione, an important antioxidant and detoxification molecule found in living organisms. Specifically, mercapturic acid is the metabolite formed when a thiol compound undergoes conjugation with glutathione in a process known as mercapturic acid pathway or conjugation.
Mercapturic acid plays a crucial role in the elimination of toxic substances from the body. It acts as a biomarker for the presence of certain environmental pollutants, such as aromatic compounds, insecticides, or carcinogens, that undergo metabolism in the liver and subsequent conversion to mercapturic acid. These harmful substances are converted into more water-soluble forms, facilitating their excretion through urine.
Due to its structural similarity to numerous harmful compounds, mercapturic acid is widely used as a biomarker in toxicology studies and environmental monitoring. Its detection and quantification in biological samples, particularly urine, provide valuable insights into the exposure to and metabolism of various chemicals, aiding in assessing the risks associated with environmental or occupational exposures.
Overall, mercapturic acid is an essential compound involved in the detoxification process of harmful substances in the body and serves as a valuable tool in the field of toxicology and environmental research.
Common Misspellings for MERCAPTURIC ACID
- nercapturic acid
- kercapturic acid
- jercapturic acid
- mwrcapturic acid
- msrcapturic acid
- mdrcapturic acid
- mrrcapturic acid
- m4rcapturic acid
- m3rcapturic acid
- meecapturic acid
- medcapturic acid
- mefcapturic acid
- metcapturic acid
- me5capturic acid
- me4capturic acid
- merxapturic acid
- mervapturic acid
- merfapturic acid
- merdapturic acid
- merczpturic acid
Etymology of MERCAPTURIC ACID
The word "mercapturic acid" is derived from "mercaptan" and "uric acid".
1. Mercaptan: This term originated from the Latin word "mercurium captans", which means "holding mercury". It was originally used to describe a class of organic compounds that contain sulfur and have a strong, unpleasant odor similar to that of rotten eggs. The term "mercaptan" was later adopted in English to refer to these sulfur compounds.
2. Uric acid: Uric acid is a natural substance found in the urine of mammals and birds. The word "uric" comes from the Greek word "ouron", meaning "urine". "Acid" is derived from the Latin word "acidus", meaning "sour" or "tart", which was used to describe substances with acidic properties.
