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Glite Dictionary
alkapton

alkapton

9.9
A chemical that builds up in the body when the body cannot break down some parts of proteins
  • noun
  • /ˈælkəpˌtɒn/
  • Specialized
: alcaptona
  • The accumulation of alkapton in the body can lead to a rare metabolic disorder called alkaptonuria.

Examples

  • Researchers measured the level of alkapton in the patient's urine as part of the diagnostic process.

  • The body produces alkapton during the breakdown of tyrosine.

  • Defective metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine may result in increased alkapton production.

  • What is alkapton and why is it important?

  • Defective metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine may result in increased alkapton production.

  • Researchers measured the level of alkapton in the patient's urine as part of the diagnostic process.

  • The accumulation of alkapton in the body can lead to a rare metabolic disorder called alkaptonuria.

Synonyms

homogentisic acid
vsalkapton
  • Specialized
8.6

A chemical made when the body breaks down some amino acids

is identical in meaning but uses a more general phrasing as intermediate product
alcapton
vsalkapton
  • Specialized
9.9

A chemical acid the body makes when it breaks down parts of proteins

is identical in meaning but states presence rather than production

Surface Forms

alkapton singular
alkaptons plural

Etymology

Alkapton is best remembered from the disease alkaptonuria, where the ending -uria means 'urine' and this chemical 'builds up' in the urine and turns it dark. That's why alkapton is an acid made when the body breaks down the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, and doctors measure it to find a metabolic problem.