Comparative Detoxification of Phenols by Some Marine Invertebrates

Abstract

The majority of foreign organic compounds undergo definite chemical changes in the animal body. Toxic compounds are often rendered less toxic and hence the reactions involving metabolism of foreign compounds and drugs are generally referred to as detoxication reactions. This term is not entirely accurate in so far as some 'detoxication reactions' actually yield more toxic products. However, it remains a useful distinguishing term for reactions which do not fit into the usual scheme of normal intermediary metabolism. The whole range of foreign compounds are metabolised in the body by a few non-specific processes. If a particular compound has no suitable reactive group or 'centre for conjugation' then it may often acquire one by oxidation, reduction or some other process.