chemiosmotic

adjective

chemi·​os·​mot·​ic ˌke-mē-äz-ˈmä-tik 

ˌkē-

: relating to or being a theory that seeks to explain the mechanism of ATP formation in oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria and chloroplasts without recourse to the formation of high-energy intermediates by postulating the formation of an energy gradient of hydrogen ions across the organelle membranes that results in the reversible movement of hydrogen ions to the outside and is generated by electron transport or the activity of electron carriers

Word History

Etymology

chemi- + osmotic

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

chemiosmotic

adjective

chemi·​os·​mot·​ic ˌkem-ē-äz-ˈmät-ik 

: relating to or being a hypothesis that seeks to explain the mechanism of ATP formation in oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria and chloroplasts without recourse to the formation of high-energy intermediates by postulating the formation of an energy gradient of hydrogen ions across the organelle membranes that results in the reversible movement of hydrogen ions to the outside and is generated by electron transport or the activity of electron carriers