METALLOPHILIC Meaning and
Definition
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Metallophilic is an adjective that refers to an affinity or preference for metals. In a scientific context, it specifically describes the behavior or property of certain substances or organisms that have an attraction to metals or metal ions.
In the field of chemistry, metallophilic compounds are those that exhibit an inclination or tendency to form strong chemical bonds with metal atoms or ions. These compounds often contain atoms with lone pairs of electrons that can readily interact with metal species, leading to the formation of stable complexes. The metallophilic interaction is typically characterized by the presence of strong electrostatic forces between the metal ions and the electron-rich species, resulting in the formation of coordination compounds.
In biological systems, "metallophilic" can describe certain proteins or enzymes that exhibit an affinity or ability to bind metals. These metallophilic proteins are critical for carrying out essential biological functions such as catalysis, transport, and regulation. Examples include metallothioneins, which are small cysteine-rich proteins that bind and regulate metal ions in cells. Metallophilic enzymes, like metalloproteins, contain metal cofactors in their structure that are crucial for their enzymatic activity.
Overall, "metallophilic" describes the attraction or preference of substances or organisms for metals, and it encompasses both chemical and biological contexts.
Common Misspellings for METALLOPHILIC
- netallophilic
- ketallophilic
- jetallophilic
- mwtallophilic
- mstallophilic
- mdtallophilic
- mrtallophilic
- m4tallophilic
- m3tallophilic
- merallophilic
- mefallophilic
- megallophilic
- meyallophilic
- me6allophilic
- me5allophilic
- metzllophilic
- metsllophilic
- metwllophilic
- metqllophilic
- metaklophilic
Etymology of METALLOPHILIC
The word "metallophilic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "metallos" (μέταλλος) meaning "metal" and "philia" (φιλία) meaning "love" or "attraction". The "-ic" suffix is added to form an adjective. Therefore, "metallophilic" describes an attraction or affinity towards metals.
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