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tetrapyrrole

Advanced (C1/C2)

IPA: /ˌtɛtrəˈpaɪroʊl/

KK: /tɛtrəˈpaɪroʊl/

noun
Definition

A type of chemical compound made up of four connected pyrrole rings, often found in natural pigments like chlorophyll.


Example

Chlorophyll is a tetrapyrrole that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of tetrapyrrole?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it's related to pigments in plants, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how it forms the structure of chlorophyll.
Sloth B
I know! It's amazing how chemistry plays such a vital role in nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pigment
chromophore
porphyrin
Antonyms
colorless
invisible
uncolored
Root Explanation

Tetrapyrrole → It is formed from "tetra-" (from Greek "tetra", meaning four) and "pyrrole" (from Greek "pyrrole", meaning a five-membered ring compound containing nitrogen). The word "tetrapyrrole" refers to a compound that contains four pyrrole units in its structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tetra-' meaning 'four' and 'pyrrole' as a type of nitrogen-containing compound. This helps you remember that 'tetrapyrrole' is a compound made up of four pyrrole units.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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