Cleavable

The adjective 'cleavable' describes something that is capable of being split or divided, particularly through a chemical or physical process. This can refer to molecules, materials, or even abstract concepts. The ability to be cleaved often implies a specific point or plane of weakness, allowing for separation into distinct parts or components. This characteristic is crucial in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and materials science, where controlled cleavage is a fundamental technique for manipulating substances and studying their properties and reactions.

Cleavable meaning with examples

• In peptide synthesis, scientists utilize cleavable linkers to attach the growing peptide chain to a solid support. After the desired sequence is built, these linkers are cleaved, releasing the purified peptide from the support. This allows researchers to synthesize peptides for various applications like drug discovery and biochemical research.
• Certain polymers are designed with cleavable bonds within their structure. Upon exposure to specific stimuli, like light or heat, these bonds break, leading to the polymer's degradation. This is used for the production of biodegradable plastics and materials that can be broken down for environmental purposes.
• Researchers used a new class of cleavable nanoparticles to deliver drugs to tumors. These nanoparticles were designed to break down, thus releasing their therapeutic payload in the tumor's microenvironment, offering a targeted treatment approach to cancer.
• The specific bond within a DNA molecule, called a phosphodiester bond, is cleavable, allowing for replication, repair, and transcription of genetic material. This means it can be broken by specific enzymes, allowing genetic information to be utilized and inherited by generations.