PHENYLPYRUVIC ACIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Phenylpyruvic acids, also known as phenylpyruvate or phenylpyruvic acid derivatives, are organic acids that contain a phenyl group (-C6H5) attached to a pyruvic acid molecule (-CH3COCOOH). They belong to a group of compounds known as α-keto acids, which are characterized by their α-keto functional group (-COCOOH).
Phenylpyruvic acids are formed through the metabolism of the aromatic amino acid phenylalanine. Normally, phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. However, in individuals with certain genetic disorders, such as phenylketonuria (PKU), this conversion is disrupted, causing a buildup of phenylalanine in the body. Consequently, phenylalanine is converted into phenylpyruvic acid and other related compounds, which can accumulate and have toxic effects.
The presence of phenylpyruvic acid derivatives in the body can be detected through various laboratory tests, such as urine analysis or blood tests. These tests are often used to diagnose and monitor the treatment of PKU and other disorders associated with abnormal phenylalanine metabolism.
In summary, phenylpyruvic acids are organic acids derived from phenylalanine metabolism. Their elevated levels in the body are often indicative of genetic disorders, such as PKU. Understanding and monitoring phenylpyruvic acids is crucial for diagnosing and managing these conditions to prevent potential complications.
Common Misspellings for PHENYLPYRUVIC ACIDS
- ohenylpyruvic acids
- lhenylpyruvic acids
- -henylpyruvic acids
- 0henylpyruvic acids
- pgenylpyruvic acids
- pbenylpyruvic acids
- pnenylpyruvic acids
- pjenylpyruvic acids
- puenylpyruvic acids
- pyenylpyruvic acids
- phwnylpyruvic acids
- phsnylpyruvic acids
- phdnylpyruvic acids
- phrnylpyruvic acids
- ph4nylpyruvic acids
- ph3nylpyruvic acids
- phebylpyruvic acids
- phemylpyruvic acids
- phejylpyruvic acids
- phehylpyruvic acids
Etymology of PHENYLPYRUVIC ACIDS
The word "phenylpyruvic acids" has an etymology rooted in the individual components of the term.
1. Phenyl: The term "phenyl" is derived from the Greek word "phaino", which means "to show" or "to appear". In organic chemistry, "phenyl" is used to refer to a benzene ring (a cyclic structure of six carbon atoms with alternating double bonds). It is often denoted as "-C6H5" and is used to describe compounds containing this specific functional group.
2. Pyruvic: The term "pyruvic" originated from the root "pyruvate", which is a derivative of "pyruvic acid". "Pyruvate" comes from the Greek word "pyr", meaning "fire" or "heat".
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