Acetyl is a term that is used in various fields of science, including chemistry and biology. It is a chemical group that is commonly found in organic compounds, and it plays a significant role in the functioning of various biological processes. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acetyl, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, root words, and example sentences.
Definitions
Acetyl is a chemical group that consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to a methyl group (-CH3). It is represented by the symbol “Ac” and is commonly used in organic chemistry to denote the presence of this group in a molecule. The acetyl group is also known as the ethanoyl group.
In biological systems, acetyl refers to the acetyl-CoA molecule, which is an important coenzyme that plays a critical role in energy metabolism. Acetyl-CoA is formed during the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and is used in the production of ATP, the primary source of energy for cells.
Origin
The term acetyl is derived from the French word “acétylène,” which means acetylene. Acetylene is a hydrocarbon that contains a triple bond between two carbon atoms and is used in the production of various chemicals, including acetic acid, which contains the acetyl group.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acetyl is defined as “a univalent radical CH3CO- derived from acetic acid.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines acetyl as “a group of atoms, derived from acetic acid, consisting of a carbonyl group attached to a methyl group.”
Associations
Acetyl is associated with various biological processes, including energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and gene expression. It is also used in the production of various chemicals, including acetic acid, cellulose acetate, and acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in the functioning of the nervous system.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of acetyl include ethanoyl, acetylene, and carbethoxy.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for acetyl, as it is a chemical group and not a word with an opposite meaning.
The same root words
Some root words that are related to acetyl include acetic acid, acetone, and acetylene.
Example Sentences
- The acetyl group is commonly found in organic compounds.
- Acetyl-CoA is an important coenzyme in energy metabolism.
- The production of acetic acid involves the use of acetylene.
- Cellulose acetate is a plastic material that contains the acetyl group.
- Acetylene is used in the production of various chemicals, including acetic acid and acetylcholine.