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The below mentioned article provides an essay on:- 1. Physiological Functions of Sulfur 2. Sources of Sulfur 3. Sulfur in Blood 4. Absorption 5. Excretion 6. Disease State.
Contents:
- Essay on the Physiological Functions of Sulfur
- Essay on the Sources of Sulfur
- Essay on the Sulfur in Blood
- Essay on the Absorption of Sulfur
- Essay on the Excretion of Sulfur
- Essay on the Disease State of Sulfur
Essay # 1. Physiological Functions of Sulfur:
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a. Sulfur is present primarily in the cell protein in the form of cysteine and methionine.
b. The cysteine is important in protein structure and in enzymic activity.
c. Methionine is the principal methyl group donor in the body. The activated form of methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, is the precursor in the synthesis of large number of methylated compounds which are involved in intermediary metabolism and detoxification mechanism.
d. Sulfur is a constituent of coenzyme A and lipoic acid which are utilized for the synthesis of acetyl-COA and S-acetyl lipoate, respectively.
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e. Sulfur is a component of other organic compounds, such as heparin, glutathione, thiamine, biotin, ergothioneine, taurocholic acid, sulfocyanides, indoxyl sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, insulin, penicillin, anterior pituitary hormones and melanin.
Essay # 2. Sources of Sulfur:
Sulfur intake is mainly in the form of cystine and methionine present in proteins. Other compounds present in the diet contribute small amounts of sulfur.
Essay # 3. Sulfur in Blood:
The normal concentration of sulfur in the serum is as follows:
Essay # 4. Absorption of Sulfur:
Inorganic sulfate is absorbed as such from the intestine into the portal circulation. A small amount of sulfide may be formed in the bowel by the action of bacteria, but, if absorbed into the blood stream, this is rapidly oxidized to sulfate.
Essay # 5. Excretion of Sulfur:
Sulfur is excreted in the urine in three forms. The total sulfate excretion may be diminished in the presence of renal functional impairment and is increased in conditions accompanied by excessive tissue protein breakdown, such as high fever and increased metabolism.
Essay # 6. Disease State of Sulfur:
a. The serum sulfate concentration is increased in the presence of renal functional impairment, pyloric and intestinal obstruction and leukemia.
b. Marked sulfate retention in advanced glomerulonephritis cause the development of acidosis.
c. An increase in the blood indican concentration (indoxyl potassium sulfate) may occur in uremia.
