How Do You Spell DEXTRAN?

Pronunciation: [dˈɛkstɹən] (IPA)

Dextran is a carbohydrate made up of glucose molecules in a branching chain. Its pronunciation is /ˈdɛkstræn/, where the first syllable consists of the sound /dɛks/, and the second syllable is pronounced as /træn/. The sound /ks/ is represented using the letter ‘x’ in the spelling, while the sound /tr/ is spelled using ‘tr’. This spelling follows the rules of English phonetics, where the letters represent the sounds of the language. Dextran is commonly used in medical applications as a plasma expander.

DEXTRAN Meaning and Definition

1. Dextran is a carbohydrate polymer composed of glucose molecules predominantly linked by α-1,6 glucosidic bonds. It is a high molecular weight polysaccharide that can be found naturally, particularly in the cell wall of certain bacteria, including Leuconostoc mesenteroides and various strains of Streptococcus. Dextran can also be derived from simple sugars, such as sucrose or glucose, through the process of fermentation.

   Due to its unique structure, dextran possesses special properties that make it useful in various industries. It is primarily known for its ability to enhance the viscosity and flow properties of solutions, liquids, and gels. As a result, it is commonly utilized as a thickening and stabilizing agent in pharmaceuticals, food products, and cosmetics.

   Moreover, dextran has been widely explored for its biomedical applications. It has been found to exhibit good biocompatibility, making it suitable for use in drug delivery systems, particularly for controlled release of therapeutic agents. Its high molecular weight also allows it to act as a plasma expander, enhancing blood volume and improving circulation in emergency situations.

   In summary, dextran is a complex carbohydrate polymer that possesses unique properties suitable for various applications. Its prominent uses include viscosity enhancement in numerous products, stabilization in food and cosmetics, drug delivery in the pharmaceutical industry, and plasma expansion in medical emergencies.

Common Misspellings for DEXTRAN

• de xtran

Etymology of DEXTRAN

The word "Dextran" has its origins in Latin and Greek.

"Dex" is derived from the Latin word "dexter", meaning "on the right side" or "skillful". In English, this root is commonly associated with words such as "dexterity" and "ambidextrous".

The second part of the word, "tran", is derived from the Greek word "tranas", meaning "twig" or "branch". This root is mainly used in scientific terminology to refer to a substance present in a specific structure or part.

Combining these roots, "Dextran" can be understood as a "skillful branch" or "branch-like substance". The name likely refers to the branching structure of dextran molecules, which are polysaccharides made up of many glucose units linked together.

Plural form of DEXTRAN is DEXTRANS