Uricotelism, Biology

Assignment Help:

Uricotelism

In animals which inhabit extremely arid environments, ammonia is converted into  uric acid. Uric acid is least toxic, relatively insoluble and is easily precipitated. Hence, it can be excreted in solid form without loss of substantial amount of water. Pulmonate snails, terrestrial insects, squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) and birds excrete a major portion of their waste nitrogen in the form of semi-solid or solid uric acid and hence are referred to as uricotelic animals.

1807_Uricotelism.png

Figure: Uric Acid

The synthesis of uric acid from ammonia in these animals occurs by the inosinic acid pathway. This pathway was first elucidated by Buchanan and his co- workers in the 1950s in pigeon liver. Uric acid is a member of the purines. While the details of the pathway are beyond the scope of this unit, in Figure the different fragments from which the uric acid molecule is assembled is shown. The dashed lines which divide the uric acid molecule in the Figure indicate the building blocks from which its biosynthesis takes place.


Related Discussions:- Uricotelism

Define larval stages of fasciola hepatica fasciola hapatica, Define the Lar...

Define the Larval stages of fasciola hepatica? Fasciola hapatica reproduces both sexual and asexually. Cross-fertilization is of common occurrence. Copulation takes place in t

Chemiosmosis, Chemiosmosis is the process by which the ATP is produced in ...

Chemiosmosis is the process by which the ATP is produced in inner membrane of a mitochondrion. It is the electron transport system transfers protons from the inner compartment to

Calcium control of glycogen metabolism, As we have seen, in during epinephr...

As we have seen, in during epinephrine hormonal control or glucagon, dephosphorylated   phosphorylase   kinase   is activated by being phosphorylated by protein kinase. This then a

What is the general function of leukocytes, Q. What is the general function...

Q. What is the general function of leukocytes? What are leukopenia and leukocytosis? The general function of leukocytes is to participate in the made inside the body or defense

Describe two differences among green algae and plants, Describe two differe...

Describe two differences among green algae and plants. Algae lack tissue differentiation and have no true roots, leaves and stems. The gametangia of algae are single-celled; th

Define growth hormone releasing hormone receptors, Define GHRH Receptors (G...

Define GHRH Receptors (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptors)? A. GHRH Receptors are only located in the plasma membranes of cells in the hypothalamus. B. GHRH Receptor

Genetics, how to determine that the phenotype of a wild type is due to the ...

how to determine that the phenotype of a wild type is due to the action of one or two genes?

Define the methods of concentration, Define the Methods of Concentration? ...

Define the Methods of Concentration? We define the concentration process as one that starts with a liquid product and ends up with a more concentrated, although still liquid a

Define biosystematics - animal taxonomy, Define Biosystematics - Animal Tax...

Define Biosystematics - Animal Taxonomy Biosystematics is basically synonymous with systematic, though it places more emphasis upon genetic (concerning inheritance) and cytolog

What is the typical feature of the epithelia, Q. What is the typical featur...

Q. What is the typical feature of the epithelia? How different is it from the connective tissue? The typical feature of the epithelium is the almost absence or absence of space

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd