Homogentisic Acid (Noun)
Meaning
An acid formed as an intermediate product of the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Homogentisic acid is an organic compound that occurs naturally as an intermediate product of the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine.
- The breakdown of amino acids such as tyrosine and phenylalanine results in the formation of homogentisic acid.
- This rare acid accumulates in the body when there are defects in the metabolic pathway that converts homogentisic acid into other compounds from the breakdown of tyrosine and phenylalanine.
- In the catabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine, homogentisic acid is generated as an intermediate that needs to be further processed by the body.
- Elevated levels of homogentisic acid may indicate disruptions in the breakdown of tyrosine and phenylalanine due to enzyme deficiencies or other metabolic disorders.