Polyenes
Polyenes
Polyenes (/pɒliˈiːn/; from Greek πολύς, polys, "many" and ἔν, en, "one") are a class of chemical compounds with multiple alternating single and double chemical bonds. They are a subset of the larger class of polymers. Polyenes play a crucial role in biology and medicine, particularly as antifungal agents.
Etymology
The term "polyene" originates from the Greek words polys meaning "many" and en meaning "one". This refers to the structure of polyenes, which consists of many alternating single and double bonds.
Medical Relevance
In medicine, polyenes are primarily known for their role as antifungal agents. They work by binding to ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes, and creating pores that disrupt normal cell function. This leads to cell death and the elimination of the fungal infection. The most well-known polyene antifungal is Amphotericin B, which is used to treat serious systemic fungal infections.
Related Terms
- Amphotericin B: A polyene antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections.
- Ergosterol: A sterol found in fungal cell membranes. Polyene antifungals work by binding to ergosterol.
- Polymer: A large molecule composed of repeating subunits. Polyenes are a subset of polymers.
- Chemical compound: A substance composed of two or more elements chemically combined in a fixed ratio. Polyenes are a type of chemical compound.
- Chemical bond: The attraction between atoms in a molecule. Polyenes have alternating single and double bonds.
- Antifungal: A medication used to treat fungal infections. Polyenes are a type of antifungal.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polyenes
- Wikipedia's article - Polyenes
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