XANTHOPROTEIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Xanthoproteic acid is a chemical compound that is formed when proteins are exposed to concentrated nitric acid. It is named after its characteristic yellow color, which is derived from the reaction between the acid and certain amino acids in the protein structure. The acid belongs to the class of substances known as aromatic compounds, which are characterized by their cyclic structure composed of carbon atoms and other elements.
Xanthoproteic acid is commonly used in chemical laboratory tests to identify the presence of proteins. This is because the acid reacts with the aromatic amino acids, such as phenylalanine and tyrosine, in the protein structure. When nitric acid is added to a protein-containing substance, a yellow color is observed. This change in color is a result of the formation of xanthoproteic acid.
Furthermore, the reaction between xanthoproteic acid and proteins is often used as a diagnostic tool in medicine. It is particularly useful for the detection of various skin conditions, such as acne, which are characterized by the accumulation of proteins in skin secretions. By applying nitric acid to the affected area, the yellow coloration of xanthoproteic acid can reveal the presence of proteins, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.
In summary, xanthoproteic acid is a yellow-colored compound that forms when proteins react with concentrated nitric acid. It is frequently used in laboratory tests and medical diagnostics due to its ability to indicate the presence of proteins in various substances.
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A non-crystallizable yellow substance derived from proteins upon treating with nitric acid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for XANTHOPROTEIC ACID
- zanthoproteic acid
- canthoproteic acid
- danthoproteic acid
- santhoproteic acid
- xznthoproteic acid
- xsnthoproteic acid
- xwnthoproteic acid
- xqnthoproteic acid
- xabthoproteic acid
- xamthoproteic acid
- xajthoproteic acid
- xahthoproteic acid
- xanrhoproteic acid
- xanfhoproteic acid
- xanghoproteic acid
- xanyhoproteic acid
- xan6hoproteic acid
- xan5hoproteic acid
- xantgoproteic acid
- xantboproteic acid
Etymology of XANTHOPROTEIC ACID
The word "xanthoproteic acid" comes from two main components: "xantho-" and "proteic acid".
- "Xantho-" is derived from the Greek word "xanthos", meaning "yellow". This is because xanthoproteic acid has the ability to produce a yellow color.
- "Proteic acid" refers to the fact that this substance is an acid derived from proteins. It is formed by the reaction of nitric acid with proteins, resulting in the yellow coloration.
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