Definition

Noun: 1. A crystalline compound: A white, crystalline substance that is an intermediate product formed during the breakdown of nucleoproteins in the body. It is a precursor to uric acid and is found in various bodily tissues and fluids, including blood, urine, and muscle tissue. 2. A chemical class: Any of several derivatives of this compound, some of which (like caffeine and theobromine) are stimulants found in plants like coffee, tea, and cocoa.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Xanthine is a key intermediate in purine metabolism.
  • The laboratory test detected elevated levels of xanthine in the patient's urine.
  • Caffeine is a methylated xanthine that acts as a central nervous system stimulant.

Advanced Usage

• "Xanthine oxidase": An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and of xanthine to uric acid. Drugs that inhibit this enzyme (xanthine oxidase inhibitors) are used to treat gout.
  • Allopurinol works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, thereby reducing uric acid production.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypoxanthine (n): A precursor compound to xanthine in the metabolic pathway.
• Methylxanthines (n, plural): A class of compounds derived from xanthine, including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, known for their stimulant effects.

Synonyms

• Purine base: (in a biochemical context, as xanthine is a type of purine derivative).

Related Phrases / Compounds

• Xanthine derivative: Any compound chemically derived from xanthine.
  • Theophylline, a xanthine derivative, is used to treat respiratory diseases like asthma.

Noun

1. crystalline oxidation product of the metabolism of nucleoproteins; precursor of uric acid; found in many organs and in urine