ARGININOSUCCINATE Meaning and
Definition
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Argininosuccinate refers to a vital biological compound that serves a specific function in various metabolic processes. It is an intermediate molecule in the urea cycle, a pathway responsible for removing toxic ammonia from the body. Argininosuccinate is crucial for facilitating the conversion of the amino acid citrulline into arginine, which is a key step in the urea cycle.
Chemically, argininosuccinate is a combination of two amino acids, arginine and aspartate. It is produced through the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by argininosuccinate synthase. This process involves the bonding of arginine and aspartate molecules through a condensation reaction, resulting in the formation of the argininosuccinate molecule. Subsequently, this molecule is further processed in the urea cycle to produce urea, a waste product that is excreted through urine.
The presence of argininosuccinate is not only limited to the urea cycle. It also plays a role in other biological pathways, such as the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule involved in various physiological processes. Moreover, argininosuccinate is important for the synthesis of creatine, a compound crucial for energy storage and transfer in muscle cells.
Overall, argininosuccinate acts as a key intermediary in several metabolic pathways, primarily in the urea cycle, but also in the production of nitric oxide and creatine. Its significance lies in the critical role it plays in maintaining nitrogen balance, removing toxic ammonia, and contributing to various physiological functions.
Etymology of ARGININOSUCCINATE
The word "argininosuccinate" has a scientific or technical origin rather than a common etymology.
Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how their meanings have evolved over time. However, "argininosuccinate" is a compound name derived from the chemical constituents it contains.
"Arginin-o-" refers to arginine, which is an amino acid with the abbreviation Arg. It is derived from the Latin word "arginina" and Greek word "arginēs", both meaning silver vessels or silver mines, as the compound was first isolated from silver protein.
The suffix "-succinate" refers to the presence of succinic acid, which is a dicarboxylic acid derived from the Latin word "succinum", meaning amber, due to its early isolation from amber (fossilized tree resin).
