A molecular illustration of uric acid, a compound that is the result of the metabolic breakdown of purines. Purines are commonly found in meats and high protein foods, and once broken down, are normally excreted in urine as uric acid. High uric acid content in the blood (hyperuricemia) can lead to a variety of conditions such as the formation of uric acid crystals that can accumulate in joints, causing gout, or in the kidneys, resulting in kidney stones.