CHEMOSMOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Chemosmosis is a scientific term that refers to a process by which ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is generated in cells through the movement of ions across a cell membrane. It is a crucial step in cellular respiration and photosynthesis, where ATP acts as the primary energy source for cellular activities.
During chemosmosis, the movement of ions occurs across a semi-permeable membrane, typically found in the inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotic cells or the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts. This movement of ions creates an electrochemical gradient, which is a difference in the concentration of ions on either side of the membrane.
The energy generated from the movement of ions down the electrochemical gradient is harnessed by specialized protein complexes called ATP synthases. These enzymes are embedded in the membrane and are responsible for the synthesis of ATP from ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate.
As the ions pass through the ATP synthase channel, their movement causes the mechanical rotation of the enzyme, triggering the synthesis of ATP. This process, known as oxidative phosphorylation, is essential for the production of ATP in aerobic respiration.
Chemosmosis is an integral part of cellular energy metabolism and helps regulate the flow of energy within a cell. It plays a vital role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission, and active transport across cell membranes. Overall, chemosmosis enables cells to efficiently convert chemical energy into ATP, providing the necessary fuel for cellular functions.
Common Misspellings for CHEMOSMOSIS
- chemsomotic
- chemosmosos
- chemosmosys
- chemosmosas
- chemosmosms
- chemosmoshs
- chemosmosi3
- chemosmosic
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- c hemosmosis
- ch emosmosis
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- chemo smosis
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- chemosm osis
- chemosmo sis
- chemosmos is
- chemosmosi s
- chemesmosis
- Chymosmotic
Etymology of CHEMOSMOSIS
The word "chemosmosis" comes from the merging of two terms: "chemo-" and "osmosis".
1. "Chemo-" derives from the Greek word "khemeia" (χημεία) meaning "art of transmuting metals", which later developed into "khēmeia" (χημεία) or "khēmía" (χημία) meaning "alchemy". The term "khēmía" further evolved into "chemistry" in modern English.
2. "Osmosis" originates from the Latin word "osmōsis", which is derived from the Greek word "osmḗ" (ὀσμή) meaning "a thrusting smell" or "a scent".
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