aquaporin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/TechnicalExclusively Scientific/Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “aquaporin” mean?
A specialized protein embedded in a cell membrane that selectively facilitates the passage of water molecules into and out of the cell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized protein embedded in a cell membrane that selectively facilitates the passage of water molecules into and out of the cell.
Any of a family of membrane channel proteins found in all domains of life that are crucial for regulating water homeostasis in cells and organisms. Their function and regulation are critical areas of study in biology, medicine (e.g., nephrology, neurology), and plant science.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in usage, meaning, or spelling. The term is identical in all forms of English.
Connotations
None beyond its precise scientific definition.
Frequency
Used with identical rarity and only in relevant scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “aquaporin” in a Sentence
The [noun] contains/expresses/regulates aquaporin-4.Aquaporin [number] facilitates the movement of water.Research focuses on the role of aquaporins in [physiological process].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aquaporin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The aquaporin-mediated water flow was measured.
- Aquaporin-deficient mice show distinct phenotypes.
American English
- Researchers observed aquaporin-dependent transport.
- The study focused on aquaporin-related pathways.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in biology, biochemistry, medicine, and plant science research papers, lectures, and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary register. Used by researchers, clinicians (e.g., in nephrology), and in biotechnology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aquaporin”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aquaporin”
- Misspelling as 'aquaporine' (incorrect suffix).
- Using it as a general term for osmosis.
- Pronouncing it with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈæk.wəˌpɔːr.ɪn/ is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Aquaporin-1 was discovered by Dr. Peter Agre and his team at Johns Hopkins University in the early 1990s, a discovery for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2003.
No, aquaporins are found in all domains of life, including bacteria, archaea, plants, and animals, highlighting their fundamental role in biology.
Most are selective for water, but some aquaporin subtypes (called aquaglyceroporins) can also transport other small, uncharged molecules like glycerol or urea.
They are implicated in numerous conditions. Dysfunction of aquaporin-4 is linked to neurological disorders like neuromyelitis optica, while kidney aquaporins (e.g., AQP2) are central to water balance disorders and are drug targets for diuretics.
A specialized protein embedded in a cell membrane that selectively facilitates the passage of water molecules into and out of the cell.
Aquaporin is usually exclusively scientific/academic/technical in register.
Aquaporin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæk.wəˈpɔː.rɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑː.kwəˈpɔːr.ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AQUA' (water) + 'PORE' + 'IN' (a protein that goes in the membrane). Imagine a protein shaped like a pore that lets only water ('aqua') in.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'gatekeeper' or 'selective pipeline' for water within the cellular city.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an aquaporin?