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Glossary

Acetaldehyde

    [ Acetaldehyde, ethanal ] An aldehyde, also known as ethanal (not to be confused with ethanol), that occurs naturally in the environment. Human exposure comes from air, smoke, ground water, some plant-based foods, and from alcohol consumption. Acetaldehyde may cause… Read More »Acetaldehyde

    Acetoacetic acid

      [ Acetoacetic acid ] One of the three ketone bodies produced during the metabolic state of ketosis or ketoacidosis.

      Acetone

        [ Acetone ] An organic compound with a pungent floral or fruity odour. It is one of the three ketone bodies produced by the liver during the metabolic state of ketosis. Acetone is water-soluble, volatile and highly flammable. It has… Read More »Acetone

        Acetyl Co-Enzyme A

          [ Acetyl_Co-Enzyme_A, Acetyl-CoA ] A product of fatty acid oxidation and of the breakdown of carbohydrates through glycolysis. Along with pyruvic acid, an important constituent of the Krebs Cycle, which drives cellular energy production.

          Acrylamide

            [ Acrylamide ] A toxic chemical implicated in cancer, nervous system and reproductive disorders. It has been found in foods subject to cooking temperatures above 120° C, possibly due to a Maillard reaction of the amino acid, asparagine and certain… Read More »Acrylamide

            Adaptive Immune System

              [Adaptive immune system, Acquired immune system ] The second of two immune system strategies, the first being the innate immune system. It adapts by learning to recognise pathogens previously encountered and tailoring its response through the creation of antibodies.

              Addiction

                [ Addiction ] Physical or mental dependence on a rewarding stimuli. Stimuli may come from a substance or activity and addictive behaviour is characterised by the obsessively engagement in such stimuli, despite adverse repercussions.

                Adipocyte

                  [ Adipocyte, Lipocyte, Fat cell ] A cell specialised for the storage of energy in the form of fat. Adipocytes are the primarily composition of adipose tissue.

                  Adipose tissue

                    [ Adipose tissue, Body fat ] Loose connective tissue composed mostly of adipocytes and the primary storage of energy in the form of fat. The adipose tissue is also considered an endocrine organ, producing hormones such as leptin, estrogen and… Read More »Adipose tissue