CHEMISTRY GLOSSARY

ionophore    →   ionofore

Ionophore is a relatively small hydrophobic molecule that facilitates the transport of ions across lipid membranes. Most ionophores are produced by microorganisms. There are two types of ionophores: channel formers, which combine to form a channel in the membrane through which ions can flow; and mobile ion carriers, which transport ions across a membrane by forming a complex with the ion.

gallium    →   galij

Gallium was discovered by Lecoq de Boisbaudran (France) in 1875. The origin of the name comes from the Latin word Gallia meaning France. It is soft, blue-white metal. Stable in air and water. Reacts violently with chlorine and bromine. Gallium is found throughout the crust in minerals like bauxite, germanite and coal. Used in semiconductor production. It us used in making LED’s (light-emitting diodes) and GaAs laser diodes.

Kjeldahl’s method    →   Kjeldahlov postupak

Kjeldahl’s method is an analytical method for determination of nitrogen in certain organic compounds. The method was developed by the Danish chemist Johan Kjeldahl (1849-1900).

It involves addition of a small amount of anhydrous potassium sulphate to the test compound, followed by heating the mixture with concentrated sulphuric acid, often with a catalyst such as copper sulphate. As a result ammonia is formed. After alkalyzing the mixture with sodium hydroxyde, the ammonia is separated by distillation, collected in standard acid, and the nitrogen determined by back-titration.

1. Kjeldahl flask for decomposition (500 ml – macro or 100 ml - micro)
2. funnel for alkaline solution
3. Wagner tube (drop catcher)
4. condenser
5. absorption flask with known volume of standard acid

preservative    →   konzervans

Preservatives are substances that will prevent the development of wood-destroying fungi, borers of various kinds, and other harmful insects that deteriorate wood.

radiation    →   radijacija

The process of heat transfer which occurs through empty space and can also occur in matter, in the form of electro-magnetic (EM) waves, is called radiation or radiant heat. Whenever EM radiation is emitted and then absorbed, heat is transferred. This principle is used in microwave ovens, laser cutting, and RF hair removal.

substrate    →   supstrat

1. Substrate is a surface upon which an organism grows, sometimes by using chemicals of particles in the material as food

2. Substrate is a substance that is acted upon by an enzyme during a biochemical reaction.

3. Substrate is the material or product that is to be coated (for example, paint or laminate.).

waste water    →   otpadna voda

Waste waters are waters which pour down from housing, public or industrial plants and are polluted with mineral and organic substances and microorganisms.

Petri dish    →   Petrijeva zdjelica

Petri dish is a shallow glass or plastic flat bottomed dish with a lid. Used primarily in laboratories for the culture of bacteria and other microorganisms on specially prepared media. It was named after the German bacteriologist Julius Richard Petri (1852-1921) who invented it in 1877.

piezoelectric effect    →   piezoelektrični efekt

Piezoelectric effect is voltage produced between surfaces of a solid dielectric (nonconducting substance) when a mechanical stress is applied to it. A small current may be produced as well. The effect, discovered by the French physicist Pierre Curie (1859-1906) in 1883, is exhibited by certain crystals, e.g., quartz and Rochelle salt, and ceramic materials. When a voltage is applied across certain surfaces of a solid that exhibits the piezoelectric effect, the solid undergoes a mechanical distortion. Piezoelectric materials are used in transducers, e.g., phonograph cartridges, microphones, and strain gauges, which produce an electrical output from a mechanical input, and in earphones and ultrasonic radiators, which produce a mechanical output from an electrical input.

polonium    →   polonij

Polonium was discovered by Marie Curie (Poland) in 1898. Named for Poland, native country of Marie Curie. It is silvery-grey, extremely rare, radioactive metal. Soluble in dilute acids. Highly toxic. Severe radiotoxicity. Carcinogen. Polonium occurs in pitchblende. Produced by bombarding bismuth with neutrons. Used in industrial equipment that eliminates static electricity caused by such processes as rolling paper, wire and sheet metal.