Chemosmotic

/ˌkiːmoʊzˈmɒtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or involving the process of chemosmosis, particularly the use of ion gradients across membranes to generate cellular energy.

Etymology

From chemo- + osmotic (relating to osmosis). The -ic suffix creates an adjective form. This term became standard in biochemistry after Peter Mitchell's 1961 chemiosmotic theory.

Kelly Says

The chemosmotic theory was so counterintuitive that many biochemists rejected it at first—they couldn't believe energy production relied on a gradient pushing across a membrane like water through a dam.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.