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polymerization Definition

po·lym·eri·za·tion (pō lim′ər ə zā′s̸hən, pə-; päl′i mər ə-)

noun

  1. the process of chaining together many simple molecules to form a more complex molecule with different physical properties
  2. the changing of a compound into a polymeric form by this process

polymerization Related Forms
po·lym′·er·ize′ (---īz′) transitive verb, intransitive verb -·ized′, -·iz′·ing
polymerization Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • actin: Theoretically at least, it is possible that the energy available from the polymerization of actin could be used to produce lamellar protrusions.

Converse of object

  • induce: Bacteria use the same or similar mechanisms in order to induce actin polymerization.
  • prevent: The inability of the planar molecules to stack up would prevent polymerization from taking place.
  • promote: After removal of excess unbound myosin, the concentration of G-actin was increased, to promote further actin polymerization.
  • nucleate: Arp2/3, which nucleates actin polymerization, is abundant in lamellipodia.

Adjective modifier

  • further: Further actin polymerization can now take place at the fast growing end, driving the cell forward possibly by the Brownian ratchet mechanism.
  • little: Also, little polymerization of resins has occurred, so aromas and tastes are often less resinous and tar like than at later stages.

Modifies a noun

  • reaction: The exothermic polymerization reaction can denature antibiotics such as penicillins making them less effective.

Noun used with modifier

  • actin: Further actin polymerization can now take place at the fast growing end, driving the cell forward possibly by the Brownian ratchet mechanism.
  • situ: There are also a number of other ways to fabricate the materials, including reactive processes involving in situ polymerization.