Cystine (Noun)
Meaning
A crystalline amino acid found in proteins (especially keratin); discovered in bladder stones.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Cystine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in various proteins, including keratin, which is a key component of skin, hair, and nails.
- The urine test revealed high levels of cystine, indicating that the patient had cystinuria, a genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing kidney stones.
- Researchers discovered that cystine plays a crucial role in the structure and function of keratin-based tissues, such as hair and wool.
- The crystalline form of cystine was first identified in bladder stones, leading scientists to investigate its role in protein chemistry.
- Dietary supplements containing cystine have been proposed as a treatment for certain conditions, including brittle hair syndrome, which is caused by a defect in keratin production.