PSYCHROPHORE Meaning and
Definition
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A psychrophore is an organism or biological agent that thrives and functions optimally in extremely cold environments. Derived from the Greek words "psychros" meaning cold, and "phorein" meaning bear or carry, a psychrophore is specifically adapted to survive in temperatures significantly below freezing, typically below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
Psychrophores can be found in various habitats, such as the Polar Regions, high-altitude mountains, and deep-sea environments. These extremophiles possess unique physiological and biochemical adaptations that enable them to tolerate, metabolize, and reproduce under such extreme cold conditions.
Several mechanisms contribute to the cold adaptation of psychrophores. They typically have enzymes and proteins with a lower optimal temperature than their mesophilic counterparts, allowing them to function efficiently in cold environments. They may also possess specialized cell membrane components, such as lipids and fatty acids, that prevent freezing and maintain cell integrity. Furthermore, psychrophores have evolved strategies to deal with reduced metabolic rates, nutrient availability, and low energy levels in cold environments.
The study of psychrophores is of particular interest in fields such as astrobiology, biotechnology, and environmental science, as they offer insights into the potential for life beyond Earth and have practical applications in the development of cold-resistant enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and food preservation techniques.
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An instrument in the form of a double catheter through which cold water is made to circulate in order to apply cold to the urethra or other canal or cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PSYCHROPHORE
- psychropho2e
- psychrophobe
- psychrophoze
- psychrophove
- psychrophope
- psychrophose
- psychrophoru
- psychrophorm
- psychrophora
- psychrophorg
- psychrophoar
- psychrophoare
- ps ychrophore
- psy chrophore
- psyc hrophore
- psych rophore
- psychr ophore
- psychroph ore
- psychropho re
- psychrophor e
Etymology of PSYCHROPHORE
The word "psychrophore" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "psychro" meaning cold and "phore" meaning carrier or transporter. Thus, "psychrophore" essentially translates to "cold carrier" or "cold transporter". This etymology reflects the purpose and function of a psychrophore, which is a device used to transport or transfer cold temperatures in various scientific applications.
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