ALLIED HEALTH Excess nitrogen in the body can form uric acid crystals responsible for the painful condition called gout (see the Integrating Chemistry feature in Section 8.2). Besides proteins, name a biomolecule synthesized in the body that uses nitrogen.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify biomolecules that contain nitrogen in their structure.
2. Consider nucleic acids, which are essential biomolecules in the body.
3. Recognize that nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are composed of nucleotides.
4. Understand that nucleotides contain nitrogenous bases, which include adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine (in DNA), and uracil (in RNA).
5. Conclude that nucleic acids are a class of biomolecules synthesized in the body that use nitrogen.

Key Concepts

Biomolecules

Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. They play critical roles in biological processes, serving as structural components, energy sources, and signaling molecules. Understanding the types of biomolecules and their functions is crucial for identifying those synthesized in the body that utilize nitrogen.

Nitrogen Metabolism

Nitrogen metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that involve the incorporation and utilization of nitrogen in living organisms. This includes the synthesis of amino acids, nucleotides, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. Recognizing how nitrogen is metabolized helps in understanding the formation of various biomolecules and their significance in health and disease.

Uric Acid and Gout

Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are nitrogen-containing compounds found in many foods and synthesized in the body. When uric acid levels become excessively high, it can lead to the formation of crystals in joints, causing gout, a painful inflammatory condition. This relationship highlights the importance of nitrogen-containing biomolecules in both normal physiology and pathological conditions.