SIALIC ACIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Sialic acids are a family of nine-carbon alpha-keto acids that play crucial roles in various biological processes. They are a type of negatively charged monosaccharide molecule that often decorates the outermost terminal end of glycoproteins and glycolipids on cells and tissues. Sialic acids are primarily found in animals, with N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) being the most common form in humans.
Sialic acids contribute to key biological functions such as cell adhesion, recognition, and signaling. They are involved in processes like immune response, regulating cell-cell communication, and facilitating the binding of pathogens to cells during infections. Additionally, they contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system and play a role in brain development and cognition.
Due to their significance in human health and disease, sialic acids have been the subject of extensive research. Changes in sialic acid levels or alterations in their structures have been associated with various disorders, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. They are also important targets for therapeutic interventions and diagnostics.
In summary, sialic acids are a family of small carbohydrate molecules that carry negative charges and are involved in crucial biological processes. They play essential roles in cell adhesion, recognition, immune response, and neurological functions. Understanding the functions and structure of sialic acids is essential for advancing our knowledge of human health and developing potential treatments for related diseases.
Common Misspellings for SIALIC ACIDS
- aialic acids
- zialic acids
- xialic acids
- dialic acids
- eialic acids
- wialic acids
- sualic acids
- sjalic acids
- skalic acids
- soalic acids
- s9alic acids
- s8alic acids
- sizlic acids
- sislic acids
- siwlic acids
- siqlic acids
- siakic acids
- siapic acids
- siaoic acids
- sialuc acids
Etymology of SIALIC ACIDS
The word "sialic acids" comes from the Greek word "sialon", meaning "saliva", which refers to the fact that these acids were first discovered and isolated from saliva. The term "acid" is added due to their chemical nature as carboxylic acids, which contain the functional group -COOH.
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