BIDENTATED Meaning and
Definition
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Bidentated is an adjective used to describe a substance or molecule that has two points of attachment or coordination with another species or molecule. The term is often used in chemistry and biochemistry to refer to ligands or ligand-binding sites that have two binding sites or chemical groups capable of coordinating with a metal ion or other reactive center.
In chemical compounds, bidentated ligands possess two donor atoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, which can form coordination bonds with a central metal atom. These ligands play a crucial role in complex formation and coordination chemistry, as their dual binding capability allows them to stabilize and bind metal ions more effectively compared to monodentated ligands that only have one coordination site.
In biological systems, bidentated ligands are frequently observed in enzyme-substrate interactions or receptor-ligand binding. The ability of these ligands to engage in multiple interactions helps ensure specificity and enhance binding affinity.
The term bidentated can also be used to describe structural elements that possess two points of attachment or anchoring, such as bidentated splints used in dentistry or bidentated ligaments in human anatomy. In these contexts, it refers to the presence of two separate points of support or connection.
Overall, the term bidentated refers to the property of having two binding or coordination sites, and its versatility and ability to form stable complexes make it an important concept in various scientific fields.
Common Misspellings for BIDENTATED
Etymology of BIDENTATED
The word "bidentated" is derived from the combination of two roots: "bi-" meaning two, and "dentate" meaning toothed. "Dentate" itself comes from the Latin word "dens", meaning tooth. So, the term "bidentated" refers to something that has two teeth or two tooth-like structures. In chemistry, this term is commonly used to describe a molecule or ligand that can form two bonds with a metal ion by utilizing two coordinating sites.
Similar spelling words for BIDENTATED
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