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Precursor




A precursor is something that existed before and was incorporated into something that came later. Also known as a forerunner or Predecessor .

For example, Cacao is a precursor of Chocolate , but chocolate is not a precursor of Ice Cream . There, chocolate is an Ingredient .


BIOLOGY

In biological processes especially Metabolism , a precursor is a substance from which another, usually more active or mature substance is formed.

For instance, certain Liver Enzymes are precursors to Insulin . Or, this is the opposite of the body breaking down a more complex substance, like Protein into individual chemicals for use within the body.


CHEMISTRY

Chemically, a ''precursor'' is a substance that, following a reaction, becomes an intrinsic part of a product chemical.

This is often heard when discussing Methamphetamine production, as certain household items are precursors of the end product.


MEDICINE

Medically, Symptom s that, following the a certain progression, indicate the development of a different problem are also called ''precursors''.

For example, Chest pain can be a precursor to a Heart Attack . A heart attack involves chest pains, but not all chest pains indicate a heart attack.