bivalent etymology

Etymology

The word "bivalent" is derived from two Latin roots:

  • bi-: meaning "two"
  • valens: meaning "strong" or "powerful"

Meaning

In its most general sense, "bivalent" refers to something that has two equal or comparable values, strengths, or powers. It can also specifically refer to:

In Chemistry:

  • A molecule that has two bonding sites
  • An ion with a valence of two

In Biology:

  • A chromosome with two identical chromatids
  • A nucleosome containing two histone proteins

Origin

The term "bivalent" was first used in the scientific literature in the late 19th century by the German cytologist Theodor Boveri. He used the term to describe the paired chromosomes that are observed during cell division.

Examples

  • Water is a bivalent molecule because it has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which share two pairs of electrons.
  • The calcium ion (Ca2+) is a bivalent ion because it has a charge of +2.
  • During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up to form bivalents.
  • Each nucleosome in a chromatin fiber is composed of a bivalent histone octamer.

bivalent relate terms

  • valence

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  • bivalence

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  • bivalent

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  • double

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  • superstition

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  • Caesar

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  • text

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  • bias

    Etymology Origin Middle English bias from Old French bias from Late Latin biāc

  • miracle

    Etymology The word miracle traces its origins to the late Latin term miraculum mean

  • argument

    Etymology The word argument derives from the Latin word arguere meaning to make cl

  • perspicacious

    Etymology of Perspicacious Perspicacious originates from the Latin word perspicax

  • habit

    Etymology The word habit comes from the Old French word abit which is ultimately d