Question

During Purine degradation, Uric acid is formed as the final product. Uric acid has low solubility whilst the precursor, Xanthine, is more soluble. Why would the degradation process of Purine then not stop at Xanthine to ensure effective excretion from the body due to its higher solubility? Why would Purine have to be degraded Uric acid, whose excess accumulation could possibly lead to gout?.

Answer 1