Diazooxonorleucine

Diazooxonorleucine (pronunciation: /daɪˌæzoʊˌɒksnoʊrˈljuːsɪniːn/), often abbreviated as DON, is a glutamine antagonist that is used in scientific research. It is a synthetic compound that has been found to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

Etymology

The term "Diazooxonorleucine" is derived from the Greek words "diazo" meaning "two nitrogen atoms", "oxo" referring to the presence of an oxygen atom, "nor" indicating the absence of a methyl group, and "leucine" which is an amino acid.

Related Terms

Glutamine: An amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Diazooxonorleucine is a glutamine antagonist, meaning it inhibits the function of glutamine.
Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Diazooxonorleucine has been found to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells.
Amino Acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Diazooxonorleucine is named after the amino acid leucine.
Antagonist: A substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another. Diazooxonorleucine is a glutamine antagonist.