Chapter 9 - Transformation of Contaminants Flashcards
the sum of all chemical processes of the body that modify endogenous or exogenous chemicals
biotransformation
focus area of toxicokinetics
- biotransformation
- absorption
- distribution
- storage
- elimination
host factors which affect biotransformation
- age
- sex
- existing disease
- genetic variability
- enzyme variability
- nutritional status
ability to metabolize a toxicant can vary with ____
age
Why would infants have limited britransformation?
they lack important enzymes
At what point do enzymes reach their optimal capacity for biotransformation in humans?
young adulthood
Why would the elderly have difficulties with biotransformation?
functional loss with aging
When are enzyme fluctions the highest in the lifetime of a human?
early adulthood
What is an example of gender-specific variability in biotransformation?
hormones
What is an impacting factor for biotransformation including minerals and vitamins?
nutritional status
What organ is very important for biotransformation and must be free from disease?
liver
biological catalysts and high-molecular weight proteins that allow biotransformation rates to proceed
enzymes
What is the disease called which infants are born with that converts the amino acid phenylalanine to tyrosine?
phenylketonuria
What is the treatment for individuals diagnosed with phenylketonuria?
- diet that restricts intake of foods containing phenylalanine
- use artificial sweeteners
** if not, mental retardation may result
When dealing withe substrate and reaction sites, what can cause a problem with biotransformation?
incorrect “proper fit” or induced fit
What do alcohols have in common?
share a common hydroxyl group
What enzyme metabolizes alcohol?
alcohol dehydrogenase
Once alcohol is metabolized, what can differ in its toxicity depending on the kind of alcohol metabolized?
metabolites differ
Chemicals are detoxified by which processes?
- rendering them less harmful
- making them more water soluble
What enzyme converts chloroform into phosgene?
P450
Which is more toxic?
chloroform or phosgene
phosgene
Different enzymes may ____ for the same toxicant.
compete