Terms for Water-Soluble Vitamins
Antibody
-
A blood protein that is synthesized in lymphoid tissue in response to a foreign
substance called an antigen. Antibodies circulate in the plasma to attack
antigens.
Arachidonic acid
-
An essential fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by the body but can be
synthesized by linoleic acid in the body.
Arthralgia
-
Pain in the joint without swelling.
Ataxia
-
The shaky movements and unsteady gait that results from the brain's failure to
regulate the body's posture and limb movements.
Atony
-
A state of loss of muscle elasticity.
Carnitine
-
An amino acid that carries free fatty acids into cell mitochondria to be used
for energy.
Catabolic
-
Describes the chemical decomposition of complex substances in the body to form
simpler ones, releasing energy.
Catabolism
-
The chemical decomposition of complex substances in the body to form simpler
ones, releasing energy.
Citric acid cycle
-
A complex cycle of reactions catalyzed by enzymes occurring in cells. In the
presence of oxygen, acetate is broken down to produce energy in the form of
adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) and carbon dioxide. The cycle is the final step
in the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Coenzyme
-
A non-protein organic compound that has a role in the reaction catalyzed by an
enzyme. Coenzymes frequently contain the B vitamins.
Collagen
-
A protein that is the primary substance in white fibrous connective tissue. It
is also found in skin, bone, cartilage, and ligaments.
Cytoplasm
-
A jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus of cells.
Deamination
-
A process that occurs in the liver during the metabolism of amino acids. The
amino group (-NH2) is removed from an amino acid and converted to ammonia, which
is ultimately converted to urea and excreted.
Decarboxylation
-
A key reaction in cell metabolism involving the removal of a carboxyl group (-
COOH).
Diffusion
-
A process in which substances move from an area of higher concentration to an
area of lower concentration in a fluid.
Edema
-
Excessive accumulation of fluids in the body resulting in swelling.
Elastin
-
A protein that is the primary substance of elastic tissue, which is found in the
dermis of the skin.
Fibronectin
-
A glycoprotein that acts as a host defense mechanism. On the cell surface
it induces protein linkage, important in the formation of new epithelium in
wound healing. It is also involved in platelet aggregation.
Gluconeogenesis
-
The process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino
acids. This process occurs in the liver and kidneys.
Glyceraldehyde
-
A form of glycerol, a clear liquid that is obtained by hydrolysis of fats.
Glycoproteins
-
A group of proteins with varying carbohydrate components that have similar
antigenic properties.
Heat-labile
-
Describing a substance that is not stable in heat.
Hematopoiesis
-
The production of blood cells and platelets occurring in the bone marrow.
Homocysteine
-
A substance in the plasma that is involved in methionine metabolism. Recent
research suggests that high homocysteine levels may be a risk factor for
coronary artery disease.
Hyperlipidemia
-
A condition in which there is a high concentration of fats in the blood.
Immunoglobulin
-
A protein that acts as an antibody. There are five classes of
immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD,
IgE, IgG, and IgM.
Interleukin-2
-
A protein that stimulates the immune system by stimulation of T-lymphocytes.
Jaundice
-
A yellowing of the skin or eyes indicating excess bilirubin (a bile pigment) in
the blood.
Linoleic acid
-
One of the unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for growth but cannot be
synthesized by the body. Linoleic acid is mainly found in corn and soybean oil.
Lipogenesis
-
The process of conversion of glucose from dietary carbohydrate to fatty acids in
the body.
Lymphocyte
-
A type of white blood cell involved in the immune system. B-lymphocytes produce
antibodies, and T-lymphocytes are responsible for cell-mediated immunity.
Methionine
-
A sulfer-containing essential amino acid.
Myelin sheath
-
Lipid membrane covering the shafts of nerve cells, serving as a protector and
insulator.
Nonheme
-
A term used to describe the type of iron that is not from blood.
Peritoneal cavity
-
The cavity containing the abdomen.
Pernicious anemia
-
A condition caused by the absence of the intrinsic factor normally present in
gastric juice, which is needed for vitamin B12 absorption.
Pruritus
-
Itching caused by irritation or nervous disorders.
Purine
-
A nitrogen-containing compound with a two-ring molecular structure. Adenine and
guanine are purines that form nucleotides of nucleic acids.
Pyruvate
-
A compound derived from carbohydrates that may be oxidized by a complex series
of reactions in the Krebs' cycle to yield carbon dioxide and energy in the
form of ATP.
Transketolation
-
In glucose oxidation, the transfer of the first two-carbon group from one sugar
to another.
Urticaria
-
An allergic reaction caused by the release of histidine, causing large red
wheals on the skin.
