Author: Glossary

Biological assay; measurement of biologically active compounds (e.g. vitamins and essential amino acids) by their ability to support growth of microorganisms or animals. A test which uses animals or microorganisms for determining the biological activity of certain substances or the presence or concentration of nutrients in the food. Determination of the relative strength or bio-activity…

A feature of the eating disorder bulimia nervosa, characterised by the ingestion of excessive amounts of food and the excessive use of laxatives.  

The bile pigments, formed by the degradation of haemoglobin. A green pigment in the bile, produced by oxidation of bilirubin. The product of the first step in heme catabolism. Early breakdown product of hemoglobin as part of the normal life-death cycle of red blood cells. After 120 days, these cells die and hemoglobin is metabolized…

Salts of cholic and deoxycholic acid and their glycine and taurine conjugates, secreted in the bile; they enhance the digestion of fats by emulsifying them. Anionic forms of bile acids. Glycocholate is a combination of cholyl CoA with glycine; taurocholate is a combination of cholyl CoA with taurine. Sodium glycocholate and sodium taurocholate: the alkaline…

A carbohydrate in human milk which stimulates the growth of Lactobacillus bifidus in the intestine. In turn, this organism lowers the pH of the intestinal contents and suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Compound in human milk that inhibits growth of particular bacteria in the digestive tract.  

Promoting the growth of (beneficial) bifidobacteria in the intestinal tract.  

Common secondary structure in proteins.  

Common secondary structure in proteins.  

Bond formed by ring closure of a sugar with the hydroxyl group to the left of the chain in the Fischer projection formula (q.v.).