MYCOLIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Mycolic acid is a long-chain fatty acid that is an essential component of the cell walls of certain types of bacteria, specifically mycobacteria, which include the causative agents of diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy. It is characterized by its unique structure, consisting of a long hydrocarbon chain that is typically 60 to 90 carbon atoms in length, with various oxygen-containing functional groups attached.
This acid plays a crucial role in several aspects of mycobacterial physiology and pathogenesis. One of its primary functions is to provide structural stability to the bacterial cell wall, by forming a distinct outer layer called the mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan complex. This complex acts as a permeability barrier, protecting the microorganism from environmental stresses and the host immune response.
Additionally, mycolic acid contributes to the pathogenicity of mycobacteria by influencing their interactions with the host immune system. It can modulate the immune response by interacting with various immune cells, affecting their activation and cytokine production, and can also influence the uptake and processing of antigens by antigen-presenting cells.
Due to its unique structure and vital role in mycobacterial biology, mycolic acid has been a target for the development of drugs against mycobacterial infections. Inhibitors that disrupt its biosynthesis have shown promising results in combating tuberculosis, highlighting the importance of understanding the fundamental aspects of mycolic acid synthesis and function.
Common Misspellings for MYCOLIC ACID
- nycolic acid
- kycolic acid
- jycolic acid
- mtcolic acid
- mgcolic acid
- mhcolic acid
- mucolic acid
- m7colic acid
- m6colic acid
- myxolic acid
- myvolic acid
- myfolic acid
- mydolic acid
- mycilic acid
- mycklic acid
- mycllic acid
- mycplic acid
- myc0lic acid
- myc9lic acid
- mycokic acid
Etymology of MYCOLIC ACID
The word "mycolic acid" is derived from the combination of two parts: "myco-" and "lic acid".
"Myco-" comes from the Greek word "mukēs", meaning fungus. It is commonly used as a prefix to denote something related to fungi or fungal organisms. In this context, "myco-" refers to the presence of mycolic acid in the cell walls of certain bacteria, particularly those belonging to the Mycobacterium genus, which includes the bacteria responsible for diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy.
"Lic acid" refers to a type of long-chain fatty acid. The term "lic" is derived from "olic acid", which has its origins in the Latin word "oleum", meaning oil or fat. "Olic acid" was later modified to "lic acid", suggesting its fatty acid nature. This nomenclature is common for naming fatty acids.
