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Definition

noun, plural: ionophores

A lipid-soluble chemical agent that helps hydrophilic ions to move across the hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer

Supplement

These compounds occur naturally and synthetically. They are produced synthetically as a drug to improve the permeability of the cell membranes to particular ions.

Synonym(s):

• ionophore

See also:

• ion channels
• ion carrier
• lipid bilayer

Related term(s):

• Channel forming ionophore
• protonophore

Mentioned in:

• Nigericin
• Valinomycin