Bifunctional is a term that is often used in the fields of chemistry and biology. It refers to a molecule or compound that has two functional groups, each with a distinct chemical or biological activity. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bifunctional, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Bifunctional can be defined as a molecule or compound that has two functional groups. These functional groups can be any combination of chemical or biological activities, such as a reactive group and a binding group. Bifunctional molecules are often used in chemical reactions or biological processes to facilitate specific interactions between molecules.
Origin
The term bifunctional comes from the prefix “bi-” meaning two, and the word “functional” which refers to a chemical or biological activity. The word has been in use since the early 20th century, and its origins can be traced back to the fields of organic chemistry and biochemistry.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bifunctional is generally consistent across different dictionaries. For example, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines bifunctional as “having two functional groups,” while the Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “having two functions or activities.”
Associations
Bifunctional molecules are commonly used in chemical synthesis, catalysis, and drug discovery. In chemistry, bifunctional molecules can be used to link two different molecules together or to catalyze a specific reaction. In biology, bifunctional molecules can be used to target specific proteins or enzymes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bifunctional include dual-functional, two-functional, and double-functional.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bifunctional include unifunctional, single-functional, and mono-functional.
The same root words
The root words of bifunctional are “bi-” meaning two, and “functional” meaning a chemical or biological activity. Other words that share the same root words include bimolecular, bipedal, and bilingual.
Example Sentences
- The bifunctional molecule was able to bind to two different proteins simultaneously.
- The chemist synthesized a bifunctional compound that could catalyze two different reactions.
- The drug discovery team screened a library of bifunctional molecules to identify potential drug candidates.