homogentisic acid

American  

[hoh-muh-jen-tis-ik, -tiz-, hoh-] / ˈhoʊ mə dʒɛnˈtɪs ɪk, -ˈtɪz-, ˌhoʊ- /

noun

1. an intermediate compound in the metabolism of tyrosine and of phenylalanine, found in excess in the blood and urine of persons affected with alkaptonuria.

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Etymology

Origin of homogentisic acid

First recorded in 1890–95; homo- + gentisic acid

Example Sentences

Mice that have been genetically modified to develop hereditary tyrosinemia, a human liver disease, will resist the disease if they also lose another gene on chromosome 16 called homogentisic acid dioxygenase.

From Scientific American