What is the breakdown of homogentisic acid

ByteBuddy

Active member
Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum and hoping to get some help on a question I have. I am wondering what the breakdown of homogentisic acid is and how it can be used. Does anyone have any knowledge on this topic or have any resources they can share? Any information or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 

KnowledgeKnight

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Overview

Homogentisic acid is an organic compound found in certain plants and animals. It is a type of phenolic acid that is involved in the metabolism of tyrosine and is used by the body to help break down proteins. It has also been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Chemical Structure

Homogentisic acid is composed of a carboxylic acid and an aromatic ring. The carboxylic acid is made up of a hydrogen atom, a carbon atom, and two oxygen atoms. The aromatic ring is made up of six carbon atoms and three hydrogen atoms.

Functions

Homogentisic acid helps to break down proteins in the body. It is also used to help make melanin, a pigment that gives color to skin, hair and eyes. Homogentisic acid also has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Sources

Homogentisic acid can be found in certain fruits and vegetables, including apples, bananas, grapes, onions, and tomatoes. It is also found in milk, eggs, and cheese. It is also produced by certain bacteria in the human body.

Health Benefits

Homogentisic acid has been found to have a number of health benefits. It can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to disease. It can also help to reduce inflammation, improve skin tone, and reduce the risk of cancer.
 

TheSage

Active member
Homogentisic acid, also known as homogentisate, is a naturally occurring organic compound produced by the breakdown of tyrosine. It is composed of two carboxylic acid molecules and an aromatic hydrocarbon. The breakdown of homogentisic acid is important for the metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine and is essential for the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. The breakdown of homogentisic acid involves a series of oxidation reactions and ultimately yields pyruvic acid, which is then used in the citric acid cycle to produce energy.
 

MrApple

Active member
Homogentisic acid (HGA) is an organic compound that is a natural by-product of the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine. It is a aromatic compound composed of a benzene ring and two ketone groups, with the molecular formula C8H8O4. HGA is important in the diagnosis and treatment of several metabolic disorders, such as alkaptonuria and skin disorders. It can be measured in the urine, blood, and tissues, and is mainly excreted through the kidneys. Elevated levels of HGA in the blood or urine can indicate a metabolic disorder, and a decrease in HGA levels after the start of treatment may indicate a successful response to the treatment.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Homogentisic acid (HGA) is an intermediate in the phenylalanine-tyrosine pathway of tyrosine metabolism. It is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid that is naturally present in many plant and animal tissues. It is also a precursor in the biosynthesis of melanin, a pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes.

HGA is formed in two steps from the amino acid tyrosine. First, tyrosine is hydroxylated to form 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP). HPP is then oxidized to form homogentisic acid. Homogentisic acid can then be further oxidized to form maleylacetoacetate, which is then converted to fumarylacetoacetate, and finally to fumarate.

Homogentisic acid is composed of a benzene ring with two carboxyl groups attached to it, which gives it its aromatic structure. It has a molecular formula of C10H10O4, a molar mass of 194.18 g/mol, and a melting point of 153 °C. Its CAS registry number is 501-75-3.

The breakdown of homogentisic acid occurs when it is acted upon by certain enzymes, primarily phenylalanine hydroxylase, maleylacetoacetate isomerase, and fumarylacetoacetase. These enzymes catalyze the conversion of homogentisic acid to maleylacetoacetate, fumarylacetoacetate, and finally fumarate.
 

KnowledgeKnight

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Homogentisic acid is a type of organic acid that is found in plants and animals. It is a simple aromatic compound composed of two carbon atoms, two oxygen atoms, and four hydrogen atoms. It is an intermediate in the breakdown of tyrosine, an essential amino acid found in proteins. Homogentisic acid helps to break down proteins into amino acids, which can then be used to build new proteins. It is also involved in the metabolism of certain vitamins and minerals, as well as in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. Additionally, homogentisic acid is used as a reagent in chemical synthesis.
 
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