Biochemistry-Finals
Assimilable
Food materials that can be transported through intestinal mucosa and absorbed into the portal venous system.
Hydrolytic enzymes
Enzymes involved in digestion that catalyze hydrolysis of proteins to amino acids, starches to monosaccharides, and fats to acyl glycerol.
Salivary amylase
A digestive enzyme in saliva that hydrolyzes starch into maltose.
Mucin
A glycoprotein in saliva that binds and lubricates food particles.
Achromatic point
The stage in starch digestion when no more color change occurs with iodine, indicating complete breakdown of starch.
Biuret test
A qualitative test for proteins that produces a violet solution in the presence of peptide bonds.
Fehling's Test
A test for reducing sugars that gives a blue solution with a brick-red precipitate if sugars are present.
Urochrome
The pigment responsible for the yellow color of normal urine.
Glycosuria
The presence of glucose in urine, often indicative of diabetes mellitus.
Bence-Jones protein
Monoclonal globulin found in urine, associated with multiple myeloma and other blood disorders.
Trypsin
An enzyme in the small intestine that hydrolyzes peptide linkages involving Arginine and Lysine.
Optimum pH
The pH range in which enzymes, such as salivary amylase and trypsin, function best.
Specific gravity
A measure of concentration of solutes in urine, typically ranging from 1.015 to 1.025.
Indican
A compound resulting from the putrefactive decomposition of tryptophan in the intestine, tested by Obermeyer’s test.
Renal failure
A condition where kidneys fail to adequately filter waste products from the blood.
Lipase
An enzyme that hydrolyzes fats, with an optimal temperature of 37°C.
Bile salts
Emulsifying agents that increase the surface area of lipids, improving their digestion.
Phenylhydrazine reaction
A reaction that yields osazone crystals when monosaccharides are present.
Urinalysis
The examination of urine to assess its physical, chemical, and microscopic properties.
Proteinuria
The presence of excess proteins in urine, indicating potential kidney damage or nephritis.
Calcium test
A qualitative test to detect calcium in urine, indicated by a white precipitate.
Thiocyanate test
A test for thiocyanate in saliva that yields a pale yellow solution with a red precipitate in the presence of iron (FeCl3).
Amylase
An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of starch into sugars, primarily found in saliva and pancreatic fluid.
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
A hormone released by the small intestine responsible for stimulating bile and pancreatic enzyme secretion.
Pepsin
A gastric enzyme that digests proteins into peptides in the acidic environment of the stomach.
Lactase
An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, crucial for lactose digestion.
Absorption
The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls.
Peristalsis
The coordinated, wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
Gastrin
A hormone that stimulates gastric acid secretion in the stomach, aiding in digestion.
Cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones, affecting digestion.
Enteropeptidase
An enzyme that activates trypsinogen to trypsin, playing a vital role in protein digestion.
Secretin
A hormone produced in the small intestine that stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate, neutralizing stomach acid.