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Xanthine: meaning, definitions and examples

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xanthine

 

[ ˈzanˌθin ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biochemistry

Xanthine is a purine base that is an intermediate in the metabolism of purines in the body. It is formed from hypoxanthine and can be further oxidized to uric acid. Xanthine is found in various tissues and is excreted in urine, playing a significant role in the biochemical pathways of nucleic acids.

Synonyms

1H-purine-2,6-dione, 2,6-dihydroxy-8-oxopurine, xanthic acid

Examples of usage

  • Xanthine is a product of purine metabolism.
  • The enzyme xanthine oxidase is responsible for converting xanthine into uric acid.
  • High levels of xanthine can lead to gout.
  • Xanthine derivatives are used in some pharmaceuticals.

Etymology

The term 'xanthine' is derived from the Greek word 'xanthos,' which means 'yellow.' The name reflects the yellowish color of some compounds that contain xanthine. Xanthine was first discovered in the early 19th century as a component of urine. In the biochemical context, xanthine plays an essential role as an intermediate in the metabolic pathways of purines, which are critical for various biological processes including the synthesis of nucleic acids. The research around xanthine has led to the identification of its involvement in several health conditions, particularly gout and certain forms of kidney stones due to its relation to uric acid production. Understanding xanthine and its derivatives has also contributed to the development of therapeutic agents that target metabolic diseases.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,531, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.