COACERVATE Meaning and
Definition
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A coacervate is a colloidal aggregate or cluster formed by the spontaneous aggregation of charged macromolecules, such as proteins or polypeptides, in an aqueous solution. This aggregation is driven by electrostatic interactions, where opposite charges from the macromolecules attract each other to form a cohesive mass. Coacervates are often held together by weak physical interactions, like Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, or hydrophobic interactions.
Coacervates typically have a liquid-like consistency and are often observed as droplets or liquid phases within a surrounding medium. These droplets are enclosed by a semi-permeable membrane that is formed through a process known as coacervation. Coacervates can vary in size, ranging from a few micrometers to several millimeters in diameter.
One remarkable property of coacervates is their ability to encapsulate other molecules or particles within their membranes. This property has been extensively studied as a model for understanding the origin of life, as coacervates can exhibit some characteristics associated with cellular life, such as compartmentalization and the ability to concentrate molecules within their boundaries.
In summary, a coacervate is a cluster or aggregate formed by the self-assembly of charged macromolecules in an aqueous solution. These aggregates have liquid-like behavior and can encapsulate other molecules within their membranes. The study of coacervates has implications in various scientific fields, including origin of life research, polymer chemistry, and drug delivery systems.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for COACERVATE
- xoacervate
- voacervate
- foacervate
- doacervate
- ciacervate
- ckacervate
- clacervate
- cpacervate
- c0acervate
- c9acervate
- cozcervate
- coscervate
- cowcervate
- coqcervate
- coaxervate
- coavervate
- coafervate
- coadervate
- coacwrvate
- Coacervete
- Coashervate
- Coacerverate
- Coaceverate
Etymology of COACERVATE
The word "coacervate" is derived from the Latin word "coacervatus", which is the past participle of "coacervare". In Latin, "co-" means "together", and "acervare" means "to heap up" or "to pile". Therefore, "coacervate" can be understood as something that is formed by piling or heaping together. This term was first introduced in the scientific context by the biologist Alexander Oparin in his study of the origins of life, specifically referring to the spontaneously formed droplets or protocells that were considered as precursors to the first living organisms.
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