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inositol
inositol A cyclic alcohol, C6H12O6, that is a constituent of certain cell phosphoglycerides; the most important isomer is myo-inositol (see formula). It is sometimes classified as a member of the vitamin B complex but it can be synthesized by many animals and it is not regarded as an essential nutrient in humans. Phosphatidylinositol, a constituent of plasma membranes, is a precursor of the intracellular second messenger molecules, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG); these are produced, through the mediation of phospholipase C, in response to the binding of a substance, e.g. serotonin, to receptors on the cell surface. They mediate such cellular events as smooth muscle contraction, adrenaline secretion, and histamine secretion.
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"inositol." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "inositol." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-inositol.html "inositol." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-inositol.html |
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inositol
inositol A carbohydrate derivative, a constituent of phospholipids (phosphatidyl inositols) involved in membrane structure and as part of the signalling mechanism for hormones which act at the cell surface. It is an essential nutrient for micro‐organisms and some animals, although there is no evidence that it is a dietary essential for human beings. Obsolete names are inosite and meat sugar.
The insecticide gammexane is hexachlorocyclohexane, and appears to function by competing with inositol. The hexaphosphate ester of inositol is phytic acid. |
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DAVID A. BENDER. "inositol." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. DAVID A. BENDER. "inositol." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-inositol.html DAVID A. BENDER. "inositol." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-inositol.html |
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inositol
inositol (in-oh-sit-ol) n. a compound, similar to a hexose sugar, that is a constituent of some cell phospholipids; it is present in the bran of cereal grain. It is sometimes classified as a vitamin but it can be synthesized by most animals and there is no evidence that it is an essential nutrient in humans.
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"inositol." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "inositol." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-inositol.html "inositol." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-inositol.html |
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inositol
inositol A carbocyclic or sugar alcohol, widely distributed in both plants and animals. It is a constituent of membranes, muscles, and nervous tissue and is necessary for growth. Inositol is often classed with the B vitamins as it has been reported to be essential in the diets of some organisms.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "inositol." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "inositol." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-inositol.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "inositol." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-inositol.html |
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inositol
inositol A carbocyclic or sugar alcohol (C6H12O6) that is widely distributed in both plants and animals. It is often classed with the B vitamins, as it has been reported to be essential in the diets of some organisms.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "inositol." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "inositol." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-inositol.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "inositol." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-inositol.html |
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inositol
inositol : see vitamin . |
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Cite this article
"inositol." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "inositol." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-inositol.html "inositol." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-inositol.html |
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