Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals,
specifically sodium urate crystals, in the joints. The body produces uric acid
as a waste product during the metabolism of purines, which are substances found
in certain foods and also synthesized by the body. High levels of uric acid can
lead to the formation of these crystals, which cause inflammation and pain in
the affected joints. Urea (Answer 1) is a waste product formed from the
metabolism of proteins and amino acids, while guanine (Answer 3) and
hypoxanthine (Answer 4) are purine bases involved in nucleotide metabolism, but
they do not directly form the crystals seen in gout.