a word that refers to a lung disease is contracted from the inhalation of very
fine silica particles, specifically from a
volcano; medically, it is the same as silicosis, which is organic acidemias caused by an enzymatic defect in the metabolism of
four amino acids (methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and valine). This results is in an abnormally high level of
acid in the blood (academia) and body tissues. In the acute form, drowsiness, coma, and seizures
may occur. Mental retardation is a long-term consequence. The disorder
may be caused by a deficiency of one or more of the enzymes methylmalnyl CoA mutase, methylmalnyl racemase, or adenosylcobalamin synthetic enzymes. Excretion of methylmalonate, a product of amino
acid metabolism, in the urine is abnormally high and therefore is a marker of the disorder. All known organic acidemias are inherited as autosomal recessive traits.
