PURPLE MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
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Purple membrane is a biological structure found in certain bacteria, particularly in strains of halobacteria. It is a specialized membrane that contains a unique pigment called bacteriorhodopsin, which gives the membrane its distinctive purple color.
Bacteriorhodopsin is a membrane protein that acts as a light-driven proton pump, converting light into energy to generate a transmembrane proton gradient across the purple membrane. This proton gradient is then used by the bacteria to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of cells, through a process known as photophosphorylation.
The purple membrane serves as a photosensory apparatus for the bacteria, enabling them to carry out a unique form of photosynthesis called retinal-based phototrophy. Unlike conventional photosynthesis in plants, which involves the use of chlorophyll, halobacteria utilize bacteriorhodopsin to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy.
In addition to its photosynthetic function, the purple membrane also plays a role in protecting the bacteria from intense light and extremes in salinity, as halobacteria are often found in high-salt environments such as salt lakes and salt pans. The purple color of the membrane is thought to act as a shield against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Due to its unique properties and ability to convert light energy into chemical energy, the purple membrane has attracted significant scientific interest and has been extensively studied for its potential applications in various fields, including bioenergy, optoelectronics, and biotechnology.
Common Misspellings for PURPLE MEMBRANE
- ourple membrane
- lurple membrane
- -urple membrane
- 0urple membrane
- pyrple membrane
- phrple membrane
- pjrple membrane
- pirple membrane
- p8rple membrane
- p7rple membrane
- pueple membrane
- pudple membrane
- pufple membrane
- putple membrane
- pu5ple membrane
- pu4ple membrane
- purole membrane
- purlle membrane
- pur-le membrane
- pur0le membrane
Etymology of PURPLE MEMBRANE
The word "purple" in the term "purple membrane" refers to the color of this specific type of membrane found in certain photosynthetic bacteria. The term "purple" comes from the Old English word "purpul", which can be traced back to the Latin word "purpura" and the Greek word "porphura". Both "purpura" and "porphura" referred to a reddish or purplish dye derived from sea snails, which was highly prized in ancient times.
The word "membrane" originates from the Latin word "membrana", which means "thin skin" or "parchment". It is derived from the Latin word "membrum", meaning "limb" or "member". In this context, "membrane" refers to a thin layer or sheet-like structure that surrounds or separates different areas or compartments within a living organism.
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