glükuroonhappega

Glükuroonhappega is the Estonian term for glucuronic acid. Glucuronic acid is a uronic acid derived from glucose, in which the primary alcohol group at carbon 6 has been oxidized to a carboxylic acid. It is an important component of many biological macromolecules, particularly glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and heparin. In living organisms, glucuronic acid plays a crucial role in detoxification processes through glucuronidation. This metabolic pathway involves the conjugation of glucuronic acid with various substances, including drugs, toxins, and bilirubin. This conjugation increases the water solubility of these compounds, facilitating their excretion from the body, primarily via urine and bile. The formation of glucuronides is catalyzed by enzymes called UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). Beyond its role in detoxification, glucuronic acid is a building block for essential structural components in connective tissues and plays a part in cell signaling and lubrication.