Definition

A type of compound made up of repeating units that contain carbonyl groups, often produced by bacteria and fungi, and used in medicine for their antibiotic and other health-related properties.

Example

Polyketides are important in the development of new antibiotics and cancer treatments.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of polyketide compounds?

Yeah, I read that they have some interesting properties.

Right? Some of them can be really effective as antibiotics.

Exactly! It's amazing how nature produces such useful polyketide substances.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polyketide → It is formed from "poly-" (meaning many) and "ketide" (derived from the Greek "keton", meaning ketone). The word "polyketide" refers to a class of compounds that are formed from many ketone units, indicating their complex structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') ketone units coming together to form a complex compound — that's what polyketides are.

Visually Confused Words