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Definition

noun, plural: protonophores

The ionophore carrying protons to facilitate crossing the lipid bilayer.

Supplement

Certain uncouplers are protonophores. They aid in translocating protons that would otherwise be unable to cross the lipid bilayer because of the positive charge and hydrophilic characteristics they possess.

Word origin: proton + -o- + -phore (Greek -phoros, bearing)

Synonym(s):

• proton translocator

See also:

• ionophore
• lipid bilayer