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bacteriorhodopsin

bacteriorhodopsin

9.9
A protein in some tiny living things that reacts to light to make energy
  • noun
  • /bækˌtɪəriəʊˈroʊdəpsɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bacteriorodopsina
  • The bacteriorhodopsin protein helps convert light into energy.

Examples

  • The researchers studied the properties of bacteriorhodopsin to enhance solar energy conversion.

  • Researchers are studying bacteriorhodopsins for potential applications.

  • Scientists use bacteriorhodopsin in experiments to study how cells use light for energy.

  • The purple color of some salt-loving microbes is due to bacteriorhodopsin in their membranes.

  • Researchers engineered bacteria to produce bacteriorhodopsin for use in bioelectronic devices.

  • In the lab, they synthesized bacteriorhodopsin from microorganisms to investigate its light-sensitive attributes.

  • Scientists used bacteriorhodopsin in their experiments on bioengineering to create new light-driven devices.

Synonyms

rhodopsin
vsbacteriorhodopsin
  • Specialized
9.8

A protein from microbes or made in a lab that makes cells respond to light

is a light sensitive protein found in microorganisms and used in research and technology

Surface Forms

Morphology

bacteriorhodopsin = rhodopsin (semi-transparent) = bacterio + rhodopsin

Morphologically regular (bacterio- + rhodopsin) but both elements are technical and 'bacterio-' is a combining form rather than a standalone common word, so the meaning may not be obvious to average B1 learners.

Etymology

Bacteriorhodopsin is made of three parts: bacterio 'bacteria', rhodo 'red' or 'rose', and opsin 'vision' or 'seeing'. So it names a red or purple protein in some bacteria that senses light and helps the cells use light.