Xenobiotics
Xenobiotics
Xenobiotics (/zɛnoʊbaɪˈɒtɪks/) are chemical substances that are not naturally produced or expected to be present within an organism. They can be either synthetic or natural compounds.
Etymology
The term "Xenobiotics" is derived from the Greek words "xenos" meaning "stranger" and "bios" meaning "life".
Definition
Xenobiotics are foreign substances that are introduced into the body and are not produced naturally. These substances can include drugs, environmental pollutants, and dietary components.
Related Terms
- Pharmacokinetics: The study of how an organism affects a drug, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs.
- Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.
- Biotransformation: The chemical modification (or modifications) made by an organism on a chemical compound.
- Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms.
Xenobiotics and Human Health
Xenobiotics can have various effects on human health. Some xenobiotics are beneficial, such as drugs used to treat diseases. However, many xenobiotics are harmful and can cause damage to the body's cells and systems. The body has mechanisms to eliminate xenobiotics, primarily through the liver and kidneys. However, some xenobiotics can interfere with these processes, leading to accumulation and potential harm.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Xenobiotics
- Wikipedia's article - Xenobiotics
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