| alcaptonuria | <biochemistry> The excretion of homogentisic acid (alkapton) in the urine due to the congenital absence of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase. This enzyme mediates the breakdown of the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. The urine may be quite dark, particularly when allowed to stand. Origin: Gr. Ouron = urine (27 Sep 1997) |
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