How Do You Spell BIOMETALS?

Pronunciation: [bˈa͡ɪə͡ʊmtə͡lz] (IPA)

Biometals is a compound word that combines "bio" meaning life and "metals", referring to metallic elements. The correct pronunciation of biometals is [baɪoʊˈmɛtəlz], with emphasis on the first syllable "bio". The first syllable is pronounced as "bai-oh", with the "ai" diphthong sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "met-uhls", with the "e" sound like in "met" and "a" sound like in "pal". In scientific terms, biometals refer to metallic ions that are essential for life processes such as enzyme activity and protein structure.

BIOMETALS Meaning and Definition

1. Biometals refer to a class of metallic elements or ions that are vital for the proper functioning of biological systems. These metals play important roles in various biological processes, such as catalyzing enzymatic reactions, maintaining the structure of proteins, and participating in cellular signaling pathways.

   Common examples of biometals include essential metals like iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and magnesium. These metals are required in small amounts for the normal growth, development, and functioning of living organisms. They are typically obtained through dietary intake and are distributed throughout the body via specialized transport systems.

   Biometals function as cofactors in enzymes, which are proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions. For instance, iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells. Zinc is essential for the activity of over 300 enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, immune response, and wound healing. Copper is involved in the formation of connective tissues, while manganese plays a critical role in antioxidant defense systems.

   While biometals are necessary for maintaining health, an imbalance in their levels can lead to various diseases. For example, deficiencies or excesses of certain biometals have been linked to conditions such as anemia, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

   In summary, biometals are metallic elements or ions that are essential for the proper functioning of biological systems. They serve as vital components of enzymes and proteins, enabling them to carry out important biological processes.

Common Misspellings for BIOMETALS

• Bioeetals

Etymology of BIOMETALS

The word "biometals" is a compound word derived from two parts: "bio" and "metals".

The prefix "bio-" comes from the Greek word "bios", meaning life. It is commonly used to indicate the connection with living organisms or biological processes. In this context, "bio-" is used to specify that the metals being referred to have some relation or significance to living systems.

The term "metals" refers to chemical elements that have certain properties, such as being solid, shiny, and good conductors of electricity. The word "metal" itself originated from the Greek word "metallon", which referred to mine or quarry.

Therefore, combining the two parts, "biometals" signifies metals that have biological importance or relevance. It is often used to describe metals present in biological systems that are functionally required for various physiological processes.