LIPOCHROME Meaning and
Definition
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Lipochrome is a term commonly used in the field of biology and biochemistry to describe a class of pigments that are derived from lipids, which are fatty substances found in living organisms. These pigments are responsible for producing various colors in animals, especially in the context of their feathers, fur, skin, and scales.
Lipochromes are distinct from other types of pigments like melanin and pteridines, as they are not synthesized from amino acids or other specific precursors. Instead, lipochromes are generally derived from lipids through various metabolic processes.
The color produced by lipochromes can vary significantly, ranging from yellow and orange hues to reddish or brownish shades. They play a vital role in animal communication, camouflage, and species recognition.
In birds, for instance, lipochromes are responsible for the vibrant colors observed in their plumage, which are often used in mate selection and territorial disputes. Similarly, lipochromes contribute to the coloration observed in fish scales, reptile skin, and mammalian fur.
Overall, lipochromes are important biological pigments that contribute to the diverse array of colors observed in the animal kingdom. Their synthesis, regulation, and functions continue to be areas of interest and study in fields like evolutionary biology, genetics, and physiology.
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A pigmented fatty body, such as lutein, one of the yellowish masses occurring in xanthoma, and also the pigment produced by certain bacteria.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LIPOCHROME
- kipochrome
- pipochrome
- oipochrome
- lupochrome
- ljpochrome
- lkpochrome
- lopochrome
- l9pochrome
- l8pochrome
- lioochrome
- lilochrome
- li-ochrome
- li0ochrome
- lipichrome
- lipkchrome
- liplchrome
- lippchrome
- lip0chrome
- lip9chrome
- lipoxhrome
Etymology of LIPOCHROME
The word "lipochrome" is derived from the combination of two components, "lipo" and "chrome".
1. "Lipo-" is derived from the Greek word "lipos", which means "fat" or "lipid". In scientific terminology, "lipo-" is commonly used to refer to substances or structures related to lipids or fats.
2. "-Chrome" is derived from the Greek word "chroma", meaning "color". This component is often used in scientific terms to indicate substances or structures related to color.
Thus, "lipochrome" combines these two components to refer to a substance or pigment associated with color that is derived from lipids or fats.
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