In simple words, a toxicant may be defined as an agent that causes an adverse effect or response in a biological system, seriously damaging its structure or function or producing death. The adverse effect or response may be defined in terms of a measurement that is outside the normal range for healthy organisms. In view of the National Institute for [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Introduction to Xenobiotics 2. Concept of Membranous Barrier 3. Responses to Xenobiotics. Introduction to Xenobiotics: Xenobiotics are the environmental chemicals. It is a term derived from the Greek word — xenon = a stranger + bios = life i.e., stranger to life. The salient xenobiotics of concern to human health and environment are [...]
The biological system may be exposed to the high amounts/concentration of xenobiotics, but if the concentration at the specific sites remain low due to any reason viz., defensive mechanism, there appears little or no effect. In order to produce a measurable effect, a xenobiotic must be transported from the site of exposure to the specific sites of action. The process [...]