Category: P

Having to do with the functions of the body. When used in the phrase “physiologic age,” it refers to an age assigned by general health, as opposed to calendar age. Relates to the realm of physiology, specifically the state of optimal, robust, and harmonious physical operation.  

Drugs that are pharmacologically inactive but when exposed to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight are converted to their active metabolite to produce a beneficial reaction affecting the diseased tissue. These compounds can be administered topically or systemically and have been used therapeutically to treat psoriasis and various types of neoplasms.  

Treatment with drugs that become active when exposed to light. These drugs kill cancer cells. This comprises a photosensitizing agent (one activated by light), which accumulates in malignant tissue, and a source of light that activates the photosensitizer, triggering it to generate highly reactive oxygen compounds that destroy malignant cells. One such photosensitizer is temoporfin.…

The introduction of a phosphoryl group into a compound through the formation of an ester bond between the compound and a phosphorus moiety. The addition of a phosphate (P). The introduction of a phosphate group into a molecule. Formation of a phosphate derivative of a biomolecule, usually by enzymatic transfer of a phosphate group from…

Attached to a phosphate group.  

Lipids containing one or more phosphate groups, particularly those derived from either glycerol (phosphoglycerides; glycerophospholipids) or sphingosine (sphingolipids). They are polar lipids that are of great importance for the structure and function of cell membranes and are the most abundant of membrane lipids, although not stored in large amounts in the system. Glycerol esterified to…

Inorganic salts of phosphoric acid. Salts of phosphoric acid; the form in which the element phosphorus is normally present in foods and body tissues. Form in which phosphorus is found in foods and in the body. Phosphates play important roles in many biological reactions. Inorganic phosphates are used to buffer formulated foods against changes in…

A substance secreted externally by certain animal species, especially insects, to affect the behavior or development of other members of the species. From the Greek words “pherein” (to carry) and “hormon” (to excite), they are sex hormones emitted by insects and animals; and spread through the air by the wind and diffusion for the purposes…

An aromatic amino acid that is essential in the animal diet. It is a precursor of melanin, dopamine, noradrenalin, and thyroxine. An essential amino acid; in addition to its role in protein synthesis, it is the metabolic precursor of tyrosine (and hence noradrenaline, adrenaline, and the thyroid hormones). An essential amino acid. L-Phenylalanine is one…

The hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts behind the nose and ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes to the stomach). The throat; the joint opening of the gullet and windpipe. The cavity behind the mouth that leads to the larynx. A muscular passage leading from…