| ionophore | <chemistry> A molecule that allows ions to cross lipid bilayers. There are two classes: carriers and channels. Carriers, like valinomycin, form cage like structures around specific ions, diffusing freely through the hydrophobic regions of the bilayer. Channels, like gramicidin, form continuous aqueous pores through the bilayer, allowing ions to diffuse through. See: ion channels. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| ionophores | Chemical agents that increase the permeability of biological or artificial lipid membranes to specific ions. most ionophores are relatively small organic molecules that act as mobile carriers within membranes or coalesce to form ion permeable channels across membranes. Many are antibiotics, and many act as uncoupling agents by short-circuiting the proton gradient across mitochondrial membranes. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ionophoresis | Synonym: electrophoresis. Origin: ion + G. Phoresis, a carrying (05 Mar 2000) |
| ionophoretic | Relating to electrophoresis, as an electrophoretic separation. Synonym: ionophoretic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| channel forming ionophore | <chemistry> An ionophore that makes an amphipathic pore with hydrophobic exterior and hydrophilic interior. most known types are cation selective. (18 Nov 1997) |
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