ScienceAugust 16, 2026

cobamides

KOH-buh-maydz

Definition

A group of chemically related compounds that includes vitamin B12 and similar molecules, which many microorganisms require for essential biological processes.

Etymology

The word is derived from 'cobalt,' the central metal ion in these molecules, combined with the suffix '-amide,' reflecting the chemical structure of these complex organic compounds.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the valuable nutrient compounds that bacteria hoard internally and that phages inadvertently release into the environment, allowing other microbes to survive.

Scientists Solve a Vitamin B12 Mystery With an Unexpected Culprit

Read the full article ↗

SciTechDaily

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