chelation
Meaning: A chemical process in which a metal ion is bonded to a molecule (a chelating agent) at two or more points, forming a ring-like structure; in medicine, the therapeutic removal of toxic metals from the body.
Chelation is important in both chemistry and medicine. In chemistry, chelating agents such as EDTA form stable complexes with metal ions, and are used in water treatment, analytical chemistry, and food preservation. In medicine, chelation therapy is an established treatment for heavy metal poisoning (lead, mercury, arsenic), where chelating agents bind to the toxic metal and allow it to be excreted. The therapy has also been promoted — controversially — as an alternative treatment for heart disease and autism, though mainstream medical bodies consider such uses unproven.
Examples
- Chelation therapy was administered immediately after the blood tests revealed dangerously elevated lead levels in the child. 在血液检查显示该儿童的铅水平危险性升高后,立即实施了螯合疗法。Se administró terapia de quelación inmediatamente después de que los análisis de sangre revelaran niveles de plomo peligrosamente elevados en el niño.血液検査で小児の鉛濃度が危険なほど高いことが判明した直後、キレーション療法が施された。혈액 검사에서 아이의 납 수치가 위험할 정도로 높은 것이 확인된 직후 킬레이션 치료가 시행되었다.
- EDTA is widely used as a chelation agent in industrial water-treatment systems to prevent the build-up of metal scale. EDTA作为螯合剂广泛用于工业水处理系统,以防止金属水垢的积聚。El EDTA se utiliza ampliamente como agente quelante en sistemas industriales de tratamiento de aguas para prevenir la acumulación de incrustaciones metálicas.EDTAは金属スケールの蓄積を防ぐため、工業用水処理システムにおいてキレート剤として広く使用されている。EDTA는 금속 스케일의 축적을 방지하기 위해 산업용 수처리 시스템에서 킬레이트제로 널리 사용된다.
- The biochemist studied how natural chelation processes in soil affect the availability of iron to plant roots. 这位生物化学家研究了土壤中的天然螯合过程如何影响铁对植物根系的可利用性。La bioquímica estudió cómo los procesos naturales de quelación en el suelo afectan a la disponibilidad de hierro para las raíces de las plantas.その生化学者は、土壌中の天然のキレーション過程が植物の根への鉄の利用可能性にどのように影響するかを研究した。그 생화학자는 토양 내 자연적인 킬레이션 과정이 식물 뿌리의 철 이용 가능성에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 연구했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: science, medicine, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek chēlē (claw), referring to the claw-like grip of the chelating agent around the metal ion. The term was introduced by the British chemist Gilbert T. Morgan in 1920.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free