ornithine

views updated May 29 2018

ornithine (Orn) An amino acid, H2N(CH2)3CH(NH2)COOH, that is not a constituent of proteins but is important in living organisms as an intermediate in the reactions of the urea cycle and in arginine synthesis.

ornithine

views updated May 21 2018

ornithine A non-protein amino acid which, in the liver of vertebrates, contributes to the conversion of ammonia and carbon dioxide into urea.

ornithine

views updated May 29 2018

ornithine An amino acid that occurs as a metabolic intermediate in the synthesis of urea, but not involved in protein synthesis, so of no nutritional importance.

ornithine

views updated May 14 2018

ornithine (or-ni-theen) n. an amino acid produced in the liver as a by-product during the conversion of ammonia to urea.

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