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A three-part protein that polymerizes to form a polyhydral structure defining the shape of mem¬ brane vesicles that travel between the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles such as the Golgi apparatus.  

Excessive, high levels of citrulline in the blood. Citrulline is a metabolite formed from ornithine and carbamyl phosphate. Citrulline accumulates in a genetic disease caused by the mutation in the gene for arginosuccinate synthetase. An inborn lack of one of the enzymes concerned with the chemical breakdown of proteins to urea: in consequence both the…

An arrangement of carbon atoms on the same side of either a double bond or a peptide bond.  

A disease resulting from the consumption of contaminated fish, in which the toxin has accumulated via a food chain. The alga involved (the photosynthetic dinoflagellate Gambierdis custoxicus) is consumed by a small herbivorous fish. Larger fish feeding on the smaller fish concentrate the toxin further in the chain. This kind of intoxication is found in…

Kidney damage or degenerative change that results in a loss of filtration function. Filtration rates of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² define the disease state. Complications include anemia, cardiovascular disease, and poor growth. Patients can be sustained through dialysis several times a week; however, dialysis can result in a loss of essential trace minerals such as…

Accumulation of lead in soft tissue and bone as a result of continuous exposure to this metal either in the air or in food or beverages.  

Cells in the adrenal medulla and also the kidney, ovary, testis, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. Similar cell types are found in the carotid and aortic bodies. In the adrenal medulla, these cells produce epinephrine. An epinephrine-containing cell of the adrenal medulla whose granules stain brown when cells are stained with a fluid containing potassium bichromate.…

Hormone produced by the placenta; an analog of thyroid-stimulating hormone.  

A 190 amino acid hormone that is similar to growth hormone. It plays a role in mobilizing maternal fat stores to support the developing fetus and also has a role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis in the pregnant female.