PYROPHOSPHATE Meaning and
Definition
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Pyrophosphate refers to a chemical compound that consists of two phosphate groups joined together by a high-energy bond called a pyrophosphate linkage. It is represented by the chemical formula P₂O₇⁴⁻. Pyrophosphate is an anion, meaning it carries a negative charge. It is formed by the condensation of two phosphate groups, where a water molecule is eliminated, resulting in the formation of a stable pyrophosphate molecule.
Pyrophosphate plays a crucial role in various biological processes. In cellular metabolism, it serves as a coenzyme in several enzymatic reactions, providing energy for the synthesis of biomolecules, such as DNA and RNA. Pyrophosphate also acts as a regulator of intracellular phosphate levels and participates in the storage and release of energy within cells.
In the field of medicine, pyrophosphate plays a significant role in the treatment of diseases. For instance, bisphosphonate drugs, such as alendronate and etidronate, inhibit bone resorption by binding to pyrophosphate molecules, thereby preventing the breakdown of bone minerals and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Moreover, in chemistry, pyrophosphate is widely utilized as a buffering agent, a chelating agent for metal ions, and a catalyst in various chemical reactions. The ability of pyrophosphate to stabilize metal ions makes it valuable in industrial processes such as water treatment and detergent production.
In summary, pyrophosphate embodies a fundamental chemical compound consisting of two phosphate groups linked together. It plays an essential role in biological processes, including cellular metabolism, coenzyme activity, and energy storage. Furthermore, it finds applications in medicine, chemistry, and industry.
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A salt of pyrophosphoric acid; see ferri pyrophosphas.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PYROPHOSPHATE
- oyrophosphate
- lyrophosphate
- -yrophosphate
- 0yrophosphate
- ptrophosphate
- pgrophosphate
- phrophosphate
- purophosphate
- p7rophosphate
- p6rophosphate
- pyeophosphate
- pydophosphate
- pyfophosphate
- pytophosphate
- py5ophosphate
- py4ophosphate
- pyriphosphate
- pyrkphosphate
- pyrlphosphate
- pyrophospate
- pyrophosphatase
- prephosphate
- Periphosphate
- pirophosphatte
Etymology of PYROPHOSPHATE
The word pyrophosphate has Greek and Latin origins. The term is derived from the Greek word pyro, meaning fire, and the Latin word phosphorus, which means light-bringer or bringer of the morning light.
Pyro- is a prefix commonly used in chemistry to indicate the removal or release of water from a compound through the application of heat. In this case, it represents the removal of water from phosphate, creating pyrophosphate.
Phosphate itself comes from the Greek word phosphoros or phosphorus, which is a composite of phos, meaning light, and phoros, meaning bearer or carrier.
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