COLCEMIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Colcemide is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of antimitotic agents. It is typically extracted from the plant genus Colchicum, which is commonly known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron. Colcemide is specifically derived from the seeds and corms of these plants, which contain high concentrations of the compound.
In terms of its pharmacological properties, colcemide acts as a spindle poison by binding to the protein tubulin, a major component of microtubules. It inhibits the assembly of microtubules and disrupts the organization and function of the mitotic spindle during cell division. This ultimately leads to the arrest of cells in the metaphase stage of mitosis. Due to its antimitotic effects, colcemide has been widely used in biological research as a tool to study cell division and chromosome dynamics.
It is important to note that colcemide should be handled with care as it may pose health risks. Ingesting or inhaling colcemide could cause toxicity and potential harm to an individual. Therefore, appropriate safety measures should be followed when working with or handling this compound.
In summary, colcemide is a potent antimitotic compound derived from certain plants of the Colchicum genus. Its main mechanism of action involves interfering with microtubule assembly, resulting in the arrest of cell division.
Common Misspellings for COLCEMIDE
- cklcemid
- xolcemide
- volcemide
- folcemide
- dolcemide
- cilcemide
- cklcemide
- cllcemide
- cplcemide
- c0lcemide
- c9lcemide
- cokcemide
- copcemide
- coocemide
- colxemide
- colvemide
- colfemide
- coldemide
- colcwmide
- colcsmide
Etymology of COLCEMIDE
The word "Colcemide" is a pharmaceutical term that is derived from the combination of two components: "colchicine" and "demecolcine".
"Colchicine" is derived from the plant name "Colchicum autumnale", commonly known as the autumn crocus or colchicum. This plant is native to Europe and Western Asia and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The name "Colchicum" is believed to have originated from the region of Colchis in what is now modern-day Georgia.
"Demecolcine" is a synthetic derivative of colchicine that was developed as a more stable and potent alternative for medical applications.
Therefore, "Colcemide" is a combination term formed by merging the components "colchicine" and "demecolcine", representing a compound that combines the characteristics of both substances.
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