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chromophore Definition

chromo·phore (krōmə fôr′)

noun

any chemical group, as the azo group, that produces color in a compound and unites with certain other groups to form dyes

Etymology: chromo- + -phore

chromophore Related Forms
chro′mo·phoric (-fôrik) adjective
chromophore Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • contain: Furthermore, because virtually all materials change a solvents refractive index, the interferometer can detect samples containing no natural chromophores.
  • call: Its molecule contains an extended system of delocalised electrons called a chromophore.

Adjective modifier

  • natural: Binding occurred in a similar location to the natural chromophore, but with a distinct orientation.
  • fluorescent: Our nets incorporate fluorescent chromophores, and can be visualized by fluorescence microscopy.

Noun used with modifier

  • target: The energy from the light source is absorbed by the target chromophore ( melanin ) in the hair.
  • enediyne: The enediyne chromophores are interesting because of their ability to bind and cleave nucleic acids resulting in potent anti-cancer activity.