Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Phosphonuclease

    An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleotides to nucleosides and phosphoric acid.  

  • Phosphofructokinase deficiency

    An autosomal recessive disorder in which a deficiency in phosphofructokinase results in muscular weakness, exercise intolerance, hemolysis, hyperuricemia, and myoglobinuria.  

  • Phosphodiesterase inhibitor

    Any agent that blocks phosphodiesterase, inhibiting the production of second messengers within cells, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate or cyclic glucose monophosphate. Drugs that inhibit PDE include sildenafil, an agent used to treat erectile dysfunction, and other agents used as positive inotropes and vasodilators in heart failure.  

  • Phosphoamidase

    An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of phosphocreatine to creatine and orthophosphate.  

  • Zinc phosphide

    A toxic pesticide that releases hydrogen phosphide after exposure to water. Its chemical formula is Zn3P2.  

  • Hydrogen phosphide

    A poison that is released when phosphide pesticides react with water. It inhibits oxidative metabolism in cells and may be deadly if eaten or inhaled. Chemical formula is PH3.  

  • Aluminum phosphide

    A pesticide used to protect stored grains from insects and rodents. After exposure to water it is converted to hydrogen phosphide, a poison that inhibits cellular oxidative metabolism, especially in metabolically active organs. It may be toxic or deadly to humans if ingested or inhaled. Its chemical formula is A1P.  

  • Phosphide

    A binary compound of phosphorus with an element or radical.  

  • Accommodation phosphene

    Phosphene resulting from contraction of the ciliary muscles in accommodation. This is seen especially in the dark.  

  • Phosphene

    A sensation of light caused by electrical or mechanical stimulation of the retina.