CAPSOMERE Meaning and
Definition
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A capsomere refers to the individual building blocks or subunits that make up a viral capsid, which is the protein shell that encapsulates the genetic material of a virus. It is the smallest morphological unit of a capsid and can be described as a protein molecule that arranges in a repetitive pattern to form the characteristic structure of a virus.
Each capsomere typically consists of multiple protein subunits that come together to form a three-dimensional shape. These protein subunits interact with each other through various biochemical interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and electrostatic forces, to assemble into a larger, repeating pattern. The specific arrangement of capsomeres gives the viral capsid its distinct shape, which can vary greatly between different types of viruses.
Capsomeres play a crucial role in the viral life cycle, as they protect the genetic material of the virus from degradation by external agents, as well as facilitate the attachment and entry of the virus into host cells. Additionally, capsomeres help stabilize the viral structure and contribute to its ability to resist harsh environmental conditions.
Understanding the structure and organization of capsomeres is essential for studying viral pathogenesis, developing antiviral drugs, and designing vaccines. By targeting specific capsomeres, scientists can develop strategies to disrupt viral replication and prevent infection.
Common Misspellings for CAPSOMERE
- xapsomere
- vapsomere
- fapsomere
- dapsomere
- czpsomere
- cspsomere
- cwpsomere
- cqpsomere
- caosomere
- calsomere
- ca0somere
- capaomere
- capzomere
- capxomere
- capdomere
- capeomere
- capwomere
- capsimere
- capskmere
- capslmere
Etymology of CAPSOMERE
The word "capsomere" is derived from the combination of two terms: "capsid" and "meros".
The term "capsid" refers to the protein coat that surrounds the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a virus particle. It is derived from the Latin word "cāpsula", meaning a small container or case.
The term "meros" is a Greek word meaning "part" or "segment". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate a subunit or component of a larger structure.
Therefore, "capsomere" combines these two components to describe each individual protein subunit that makes up the capsid of a virus particle.
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