ionophore

ionophore

 [i´on-o-for″]

any molecule, as of a drug, that increases the permeability of cell membranes to a specific ion.

i·on·o·phore

(ī-on'ō-fōr),

A compound or substance that forms a complex with an ion and transports it across a membrane.

[ion + G. phore, a bearer]

ionophore

(ī-ŏn′ə-fôr)

n.

A compound that facilitates the transport of ions across a cell membrane, either by binding with the ion or by creating a channel through the membrane.

ion·o·phore

(ī-on'ō-fōr)

A compound or substance that forms a complex with an ion and transports it across a membrane.

[ion + G. phore, a bearer]

ionophore

a compound that can increase the permeability of cell membranes to ions. Channel-forming ionophores form pores in the membrane allowing the passage of different ions, whilst mobile carrier ionophores diffuse in the membrane and can be ion-specific.