PUTRESCINE Meaning and
Definition
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Putrescine is a noun referring to a colorless, foul-smelling organic compound with the chemical formula C4H12N2. It is classified as a diamine, which means it contains two amino groups (-NH2) on its carbon chain. The compound was first discovered in putrefying meat, hence its name, as it contributes to the putrid odor that emanates from decaying animal flesh.
Being a naturally occurring molecule, putrescine is found in various biological systems, including living organisms and certain foods. It is produced as a byproduct during the decay and decomposition processes, particularly of amino acids. Putrescine plays a vital role in numerous biological functions, including cell growth, cell differentiation, and the synthesis of essential biomolecules.
In addition to its involvement in normal physiological processes, putrescine has also been associated with certain pathological conditions. For instance, an abnormal increase in putrescine levels has been observed in bacterial infections and diseases such as cancer. Consequently, it is considered a biomarker and can be measured in biological samples to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain medical conditions.
Due to its offensive odor, putrescine is sometimes used as an ingredient in chemical warfare agents to inflict psychological distress on the enemy. Nevertheless, in controlled laboratory settings, putrescine finds applications in various scientific studies, including cell culture and molecular biology experiments.
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A poisonous ptomaine, tetramethylenediamine, C4H12N2, isolated by Brieger from putrid flesh and from cultures of the cholera bacillus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PUTRESCINE
- outrescine
- lutrescine
- -utrescine
- 0utrescine
- pytrescine
- phtrescine
- pjtrescine
- pitrescine
- p8trescine
- p7trescine
- purrescine
- pufrescine
- pugrescine
- puyrescine
- pu6rescine
- pu5rescine
- puteescine
- putdescine
- putfescine
- puterescine
Etymology of PUTRESCINE
The word "putrescine" is derived from "putrescence" which comes from the Latin word "putrescere", meaning "to grow rotten" or "to decay". "Putrescere" itself is derived from the Latin word "putrēre", meaning "to rot" or "to decompose". Therefore, "putrescine" is related to the idea of decaying or decomposing organic matter.
Similar spelling words for PUTRESCINE
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