Myo-inositol
Myo-inositol
Myo-inositol (pronounced: my-oh-in-oh-si-tol) is a simple carbohydrate that belongs to a family of compounds called polyols. It is a naturally occurring substance produced in the human body from glucose and is also found in certain foods.
Etymology
The term "myo-inositol" is derived from the Greek word "inos", meaning "sinew" or "muscle", and the suffix "-itol", which is used in chemistry to denote a type of sugar alcohol.
Function
Myo-inositol plays a crucial role in various biological processes. It is a component of phospholipids, which are essential for cell membrane structure and function. It also serves as a precursor for a number of second messengers in cells, which are involved in signal transduction processes. Furthermore, myo-inositol is important for fat metabolism and insulin signal transduction.
Dietary Sources
Dietary sources of myo-inositol include fruits, beans, grains, and nuts. It is also available as a dietary supplement.
Related Terms
- Phosphatidylinositol: A type of phospholipid that contains myo-inositol.
- Inositol triphosphate: A second messenger derived from myo-inositol.
- Inositol hexaphosphate: Also known as phytic acid, it is a molecule that is formed when myo-inositol is fully phosphorylated.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Myo-inositol
- Wikipedia's article - Myo-inositol
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