alloxan
|al-lox-an|
C2
/əˈlɒksæn/
diabetes-inducing compound
Etymology
Etymology Information
'alloxan' originates from the combination of 'allantoin' and 'oxalic acid', where 'allantoin' is a compound found in many plants and animals, and 'oxalic acid' is a simple dicarboxylic acid.
Historical Evolution
'Alloxan' was first synthesized in the 19th century by the reaction of uric acid with nitric acid.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it was used in the study of uric acid derivatives, but over time it became significant in diabetes research.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a compound used in biochemical research, known for its ability to induce diabetes in experimental animals.
Alloxan is often used in studies to understand the mechanisms of diabetes.
Last updated: 2025/06/29 22:51