Expansion On The Recent Discoveries Concerning Nitric Oxide :: essays research papers

Expansion on the Recent Discoveries Concerning nitric Oxideas presented by Dr. Jack R. LancasterNitric Oxide, or NO, its chemical representation, was until recently notconsidered to be of any benefit to the life processes of animals, much lesshuman beings. However, studies brace proven that this simple compound had anabundance of uses in the body, ranging from the nervous agreement to thereproductive system. Its many uses are still being explored, and it is hopedthat it can unravel an active role in the cures for certain types of cancers andtumors that form in the drumhead and other parts of the body.Nitric Oxide is not to be confused with nitrous oxide, the latter ofwhich is commonly known as laughing gas. Nitric oxide has 1 much electron thanthe anesthetic. NO is not soluble in water. It is a clear gas. When NO isexposed to air, it mixes with type O, yielding nitrogen IV dioxide, a brown gaswhich is soluble in water. These are just a few of the chemical properties of nitr ous oxide. With the total life expectancy of nitric oxide being from six toten seconds, it is not surprising that it has not been until recently that itwas discovered in the body. The compound is quickly converted into nitrates andnitrites by oxygen and water. Yet even its short-lived life, it has show manyfunctions within the body. Nitric oxide enables white blood cells to kill tumorcells and bacteria, and it allows neurotransmitters to dilate blood vessels. It too serves as a messenger for neurons, like a neurotransmitter. The compoundis in any case accountable for penile erections. Further experiments may lead to itsuse in memory research and for the treatment of certain neurodegenerativedisorders. One of the most evoke discoveries of nitric oxide involves itsfunction in the brain. It was first discovered that nitric oxide vie a rolein the nervous system in 1982. gloomy amounts of it prove useful in the openingof calcium ion channels (with glutamate, an excitant neurotransm itter) sendinga strong excitatory impulse. However, in larger amounts, its cause are quiteharmful. The channels are forced to fire more rapidly, which can kill the cells.This is the cause of most strokes. To find where nitric oxide is found in thebrain, scientists used a purification method from a tissue paper sample of the brain.One scientist discovered that the synthesis of nitric oxide required the battlefront of calcium, which often acts by binding to a ubiquitous cofactor calledcalmodulin. A elflike amount of calmodulin is added to the enzyme preparations,