Category: D
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Desmosines
The compounds that form the cross- linkage between chains of the connective tissue protein elastin.
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Designer foods
Alternative name for functional foods.
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Dentine
Mineralised tissue beneath tooth enamel. A hard substance which surrounds the pulp of teeth, beneath the enamel. The major portion of a tooth; about 20% is organic matrix (collagen with some elastin), while 80% is hydroxyapatite containing calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, carbonate, and fluoride. The calcified part of a tooth, between the enamel and the pulp.…
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Delayed hypersensitivity
An exaggerated immune response that is delayed for a day or more. It is mediated by the response of T-cells to a foreign antigen or allergen.
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Dehydrochoiesterol
The precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin.
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Dehydroascorbic acid
Oxidised vitamin C, which is readily reduced back to the active form in the body, and therefore has vitamin activity. A form of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in which two hydrogens have been removed.
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Deciduous teeth
The first set of 20 teeth that appear during infancy and are lost during childhood and early adolescence as the adult (permanent) teeth erupt. Also known as milk teeth, first teeth. The temporary teeth that appear before the permanent teeth. The first teeth of the young. These teeth are replaced by permanent teeth as the…
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Dark adaptation
The time taken to adapt to seeing in dim light; an index of vitamin A status as adaptation is slower and less complete in vitamin A deficiency. A form of adaptation in which the eye adjusts to low levels of illumination. The reflex changes which enable the eye to continue to see in dim light.…
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Conjugated linolenic acid
An isomer of linolenic acid in which the double bonds are conjugated, rather than methylene-interrupted.
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Dyspareunia
Refers to genital pain in either a male or a female before, during, or after sexual intercourse that is not due to a general medical condition, drugs, or medication. Painful sexual intercourse in the woman. Pain or discomfort in the pelvis or vagina during or after sexual intercourse. Difficult or painful sexual intercourse in a…