AMINOCYCLOPROPANECARBOXYLATE Meaning and
Definition
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Aminocyclopropanecarboxylate refers to a chemical compound that consists of an aminocyclopropane ring attached to a carboxylic acid group. The term can also be used to describe any derivative or salt of this compound.
A cyclopropane ring is a three-membered carbon ring in which carbon atoms are connected by single bonds, resulting in high strain and reactivity. In the case of aminocyclopropanecarboxylate, one of the carbon atoms in the ring is replaced by an amino group (NH2). The amino group contains a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms, giving it a basic character.
A carboxylic acid group (-COOH) is an organic functional group composed of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (OH) bonded to a carbon atom. It imparts acidic properties to the compound since it can donate a proton (H+) in a solution.
Aminocyclopropanecarboxylate is often used as a precursor or intermediate in organic synthesis due to its reactivity and ability to undergo various chemical transformations. It finds applications in pharmaceutical research, agrochemical manufacturing, and other industrial processes.
Furthermore, aminocyclopropanecarboxylate functions as a key component in controlling the physiological responses of plants, particularly in the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and resulting effects on plant growth and development. It acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase, which is involved in ethylene production. By inhibiting this enzyme, aminocyclopropanecarboxylate can
Etymology of AMINOCYCLOPROPANECARBOXYLATE
The word "aminocyclopropanecarboxylate" can be broken down into its constituent parts to understand its etymology:
1. Amino: It is derived from the Greek word "amīnē", meaning "nitrogen". This prefix signifies the presence of an amino group (-NH2) in the molecule.
2. Cyclopropane: Derived from the combining form of "cyclo-" (from Greek "kyklos", meaning "circle" or "ring") and the root word "propane" (from Greek "prōtos", meaning "first"), referring to a three-membered ring hydrocarbon compound.
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