ionophore

1 9.9

A substance that helps ions move across a cell membrane

noun
/aɪˈɒnəfɔr/

Specialized

: ionóforo

The researcher discovered that the newly synthesized compound acted as an ionophore, facilitating the passage of calcium ions through the cell membrane.

Examples

Experimental observations have indicated that helical peptides, such as zervamicin, which are ionophores, assemble to form channels that allow ions to pass through.

Academic text (2001)
In the lab, students observed how the ionophore enhanced the movement of potassium ions across the lipid bilayer.
Another in vitro study with cultured cells found that quercetin does seem to have zinc ionophore activity.
Scientists are studying how ionophores can be used to improve drug delivery by allowing specific ions to enter cells more easily.

Surface Forms

ionophore singular

ionophores plural

Morphology

ionophore = ion (semi-transparent) = ion + phore

Formally composed of 'ion' + the combining form '-phore' meaning 'carrier', but '-phore' is a technical combining form unfamiliar to many learners, so inference is only partly reliable.

Etymology

The word ionophore comes from ion, a small charged particle, and -phore, from a Greek word meaning 'to carry', like in pheromone, which 'carries' a scent. So an ionophore is literally an 'ion carrier', which is why it helps ions move across cell membranes.