DEXTRANS Meaning and
Definition
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Dextrans are a type of complex carbohydrate, also known as polymers, that are composed of multiple glucose molecules linked together through specific chemical bonds. They belong to the group of polysaccharides and are formed by the enzymatic reaction of sucrose or glucose molecules.
Dextrans are commonly found in nature, particularly in some microorganisms such as bacteria. They can vary in their structural properties, including size, chain length, and branching. Typically, dextrans are water-soluble and have a wide range of molecular weights. The unique chemical structure of dextrans imparts them with various beneficial properties and functional applications.
One of the significant characteristics of dextrans is their ability to act as a source of energy and a reserve of glucose in organisms. They are often used by microorganisms as storage materials during times of nutrient deprivation. Dextrans also have a high resistance to digestion by enzymes, making them valuable in food applications as thickening agents, stabilizers, or even as dietary fibers.
In the pharmaceutical industry, dextrans are utilized as viscosity modifiers in drug formulations and as components in controlled-release drug delivery systems. Additionally, their ability to form gels or films makes them suitable for wound healing applications. Dextrans are also used as contrast agents in medical imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and as carriers for drug targeting.
Overall, dextrans exhibit remarkable versatility and have numerous applications across various industries due to their unique chemical properties.
Common Misspellings for DEXTRANS
- xextrans
- cextrans
- fextrans
- rextrans
- eextrans
- dwxtrans
- dsxtrans
- ddxtrans
- drxtrans
- d4xtrans
- d3xtrans
- deztrans
- dectrans
- dedtrans
- destrans
- dexrrans
- dexfrans
- dexgrans
- dexyrans
- dex6rans
Etymology of DEXTRANS
The word "dextrans" has a fairly straightforward etymology. It is formed by combining the prefix "dex-" and the suffix "-trans".
The prefix "dex-" is derived from the Greek word "dexios", which means "on the right-hand side" or "right". In this context, "dex-" is used to indicate that something is dextrorotatory or right-handed. It is commonly used in chemistry to describe the direction in which a molecule rotates polarized light.
The suffix "-trans" is derived from the Latin word "trans", which means "across" or "beyond". In the context of chemistry, "-trans" is used to describe the geometric arrangement of atoms or groups across two sides of a bond.
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