Any of a series of synthetic compounds related to the weedkiller paraquat, used as redox indicators. They contain heteroaromatic cations of the general formula (C₅H₄NR)₂²⁺.
〔化〕紫精
Example sentencesExamples
The shift from a more sigmoidal plot of the binding isotherm in the case of ethidium toward a more hyperbolic plot in the case of methyl viologen demonstrates stronger versus weaker binding, respectively.
The intermolecular interactions between the viologens and the macrocyclic molecule were investigated in a solution before photoirradiation.
Leaves from the transformed maize plants showed enhanced tolerance to the oxidative stress induced by incubation of leaf discs in the pro-oxidant herbicide, methyl viologen.
Methyl viologen also affects electron-transducing reactions in the endoplasmic reticulum and in mitochondria.
The transgenic plants were also more tolerant to the oxidative damage caused by methyl viologen showing less chlorosis and less electrolyte leakage than the controls.
Origin
1930s: from violet(because of the purple colour when electrochemically reduced) + -gen.