branched chain

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an open chain of atoms, usually carbon, with one or more side chains attached to it.

branched chain

noun

1. chem an open chain of atoms with one or more side chains attached to it Compare straight chain

Word History and Origins

Origin of branched chain¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

"These findings led us to hypothesize that the increase in branched chain amino acids is due to the presence of an early pancreatic tumor," Wolpin said.

From US News

At this point, we do not know if it is the low levels of branched chain amino acids or the high levels of these other neurotransmitter precursors that lead to the autism and epilepsy features.

From Time

The results reveal that GBP enhances branched chain amino acid metabolism by mechanisms separate from weight loss.

From Science Magazine

Further research showed that mice with newly formed pancreatic tumors had elevated blood levels of branched chain amino acids, according to the study published online Sept. 28 in the journal Nature Medicine.

From US News

The end result is that children had low levels of these proteins — known as branched chain amino acids — which the body doesn’t make on its own and must be gotten through food.

From Time