XANTHOPROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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Xanthoprotein is a compound term derived from two Greek words: "xanthos," meaning yellow, and "proteios," meaning protein. The term refers to a substance formed when proteins are exposed to nitric acid or other strong mineral acids, resulting in a yellow coloration of the substance.
In scientific terms, xanthoprotein is a diagnostic test used to assess the presence of protein in a solution. It is commonly employed in laboratory settings to determine the protein content of biological samples, such as blood or urine. The test involves adding strong acid to the sample and observing any color change that occurs. If the solution turns yellow, it indicates the presence of protein. It is worth noting that the xanthoprotein test is relatively nonspecific, meaning that the yellow color may also be produced by other substances, such as carbohydrates or phenolic compounds.
Apart from its use in protein analysis, xanthoprotein can also carry clinical significance. For example, in medical examinations, the presence of xanthoprotein in the spinal fluid can be indicative of diseases or conditions affecting the central nervous system. Specifically, a yellow discoloration of the cerebrospinal fluid may suggest the breakdown of red blood cells due to trauma, infections, or other pathological processes.
Overall, xanthoprotein is a term that describes the yellow coloration observed when proteins react with strong mineral acids and can have applications in protein analysis and medical diagnoses.
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A yellow substance formed upon treating protein with hot nitric acid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for XANTHOPROTEIN
- zanthoprotein
- canthoprotein
- danthoprotein
- santhoprotein
- xznthoprotein
- xsnthoprotein
- xwnthoprotein
- xqnthoprotein
- xabthoprotein
- xamthoprotein
- xajthoprotein
- xahthoprotein
- xanrhoprotein
- xanfhoprotein
- xanghoprotein
- xanyhoprotein
- xan6hoprotein
- xan5hoprotein
- xantgoprotein
- xantboprotein
Etymology of XANTHOPROTEIN
The word "xanthoprotein" comes from the Greek roots "xantho" meaning "yellow" and "protein" referring to a class of complex organic compounds that are essential for the structure and functioning of living organisms. The term was coined in the 19th century to describe a type of protein that has a yellowish color.
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