HETEROLYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Heterolysis refers to a chemical reaction involving the breaking of a covalent bond between two atoms, causing an unequal distribution of electrons. It is a process that occurs in the presence of a reagent or catalyst that facilitates the dissociation of a bond, resulting in the formation of two separate species or fragments.
In heterolysis, one atom in the bond retains both electrons, acquiring a negative charge, while the other atom becomes positively charged due to the loss of electrons. This asymmetric distribution of charges leads to the creation of two distinct chemical species with opposite charges, commonly known as ions.
This process is particularly prevalent in ionic and polar covalent compounds. It is often observed in various chemical reactions, such as acid-base reactions, nucleophilic substitutions, and certain organic transformations.
Heterolysis plays a vital role in many biological processes, such as enzyme-catalyzed reactions and molecular recognition. It enables the breaking and formation of new chemical bonds, allowing for the synthesis, modification, and degradation of biomolecules.
Understanding heterolysis is essential in fields like organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology, as it provides insights into the mechanisms of various chemical reactions. By manipulating and controlling heterolytic processes, scientists can develop new drugs, catalysts, and materials with specific properties and functionalities.
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Digestion of one kind of cell or of protein derived from it by the enzyme of another cell, usually a leucocyte.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HETEROLYSIS
- heterolsis
- geterolysis
- beterolysis
- neterolysis
- jeterolysis
- ueterolysis
- yeterolysis
- hwterolysis
- hsterolysis
- hdterolysis
- hrterolysis
- h4terolysis
- h3terolysis
- hererolysis
- heferolysis
- hegerolysis
- heyerolysis
- he6erolysis
- he5erolysis
- hetwrolysis
Etymology of HETEROLYSIS
The word "heterolysis" is derived from two Greek roots: "hetero" and "lysis".
1. "Hetero" (ἕτερος) means "different" or "other" in Greek.
2. "Lysis" (λύσις) means "loosening" or "breaking apart" in Greek.
When combined, "heterolysis" refers to a chemical reaction or process in which a molecule or compound breaks apart or dissolves into different or other components. It is commonly used in organic chemistry to describe reactions involving the cleavage of bonds.
