PHYCOERYTHRINE Meaning and
Definition
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Phycoerythrine is a pigment molecule found in certain types of red algae, specifically within the phycobiliprotein family. It is responsible for the characteristic red coloration observed in these algae. Phycoerythrine absorbs light most efficiently in the blue-green spectrum and has peak absorption wavelengths around 495-545nm. Its fluorescence emission occurs in the red-orange range, typically around 550-570nm.
The chemical structure of phycoerythrine consists of a linear tetrapyrrole chromophore, known as phycobilin, which is covalently attached to a protein backbone. This protein component stabilizes the chromophore, allowing it to absorb and emit light. Phycoerythrine has the ability to transfer absorbed light energy to other nearby pigments, such as phycocyanin and allophycocyanin, which are also found in red algae. This energy transfer process enables efficient photosynthesis in these organisms.
Phycoerythrine has found several applications beyond its role in algae. It is widely used as a fluorescent marker in various bioimaging techniques. Its emission spectrum in the red range makes it useful for distinguishing phycoerythrin-labeled molecules from other fluorophores in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry experiments. Additionally, its stability and resistance to photobleaching make it an ideal fluorophore for long-term imaging studies. Phycoerythrine has also been utilized in the development of diagnostic and medical research tools due to its unique spectral properties.
Common Misspellings for PHYCOERYTHRINE
- -phycoerythrin
- phycoerthrin
- phycoerythryn
- ohycoerythrine
- lhycoerythrine
- -hycoerythrine
- 0hycoerythrine
- pgycoerythrine
- pbycoerythrine
- pnycoerythrine
- pjycoerythrine
- puycoerythrine
- pyycoerythrine
- phtcoerythrine
- phgcoerythrine
- phhcoerythrine
- phucoerythrine
- ph7coerythrine
- ph6coerythrine
- phyxoerythrine
Etymology of PHYCOERYTHRINE
The word "phycoerythrine" is derived from two components: "phyco-" and "-erythrine".
The prefix "phyco-" comes from the Greek word "phykos", which means "seaweed" or "algae". This prefix is commonly used in scientific terminology to refer to various aspects of algae, such as pigments, groups, or structures.
The suffix "-erythrine" is derived from the Greek word "erythros", meaning "red". This suffix is often used to describe something that is red or related to the color red.
When combined, the word "phycoerythrine" refers to a red pigment found in certain types of algae.
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