uronowego

Uronic acids are a class of sugar-derived acids formed by the oxidation of the terminal carbon in aldoses to a carboxyl group. In Polish terminology they are referred to as kwasy uronowe, and the adjective uronowy describes such acids. The genitive form uronowego appears in phrases like kwasu uronowego, reflecting standard Polish grammar rather than a standalone term.

Common examples include glucuronic acid (kwas glukuronowy), iduronic acid (kwas iduronowy), and galacturonic acid (kwas galakturonowy). These acids are oxidation products of hexoses or pentoses and are characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group in place of the aldehyde or ketone at the terminal carbon. They frequently occur as components of larger molecules such as glycosaminoglycans and pectins, contributing to charge, solubility, and structural properties of biopolymers.

In biology, uronic acids play several important roles. Glucuronic acid is central to detoxification in the liver, where it is conjugated to lipophilic substances via UDP-glucuronosyltransferases to form more water-soluble glucuronides that are excreted in urine or bile. Uronic acids are also key components of glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, which form part of the extracellular matrix and influence tissue hydration and mechanics. In plants, galacturonic acid is a major constituent of pectin, affecting cell wall properties and fruit ripening.

See also: kwas uronowy, glucuronidacja, glicozaminoglikany.