HAEMAGGLUTINATION Meaning and
Definition
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Haemagglutination is a biological phenomenon observed when red blood cells (erythrocytes) clump together or agglutinate due to the binding of specific molecules, called agglutinins, present in certain substances such as viruses, antibodies, or lectins. This process is commonly measured and quantified through the haemagglutination assay, which is used in virology, immunology, and diagnostic laboratories.
In the haemagglutination assay, red blood cells are mixed with a specific substance, such as a viral protein or an antibody against a specific antigen. If the substance carries agglutinins that can bind to the surface of the red blood cells, it will cause them to form visible clumps or aggregates. The degree of agglutination is often proportional to the concentration or activity of the agglutinin substance.
Haemagglutination has been extensively studied in the field of virology, particularly in viruses that cause diseases such as influenza, mumps, measles, and rubella. Viruses possessing haemagglutinins can adhere to the surface of red blood cells, which allows them to infect host cells and initiate the infection process.
Overall, haemagglutination is a phenomenon where red blood cells clump together due to the binding of specific proteins or substances. Its measurement and analysis are crucial in the understanding of viral infections, immunological reactions, and diagnostic testing.
Common Misspellings for HAEMAGGLUTINATION
- gaemagglutination
- baemagglutination
- naemagglutination
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- uaemagglutination
- yaemagglutination
- hzemagglutination
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- hqemagglutination
- hawmagglutination
- hasmagglutination
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- harmagglutination
- ha4magglutination
- ha3magglutination
- haenagglutination
- haekagglutination
- haejagglutination
Etymology of HAEMAGGLUTINATION
The word "haemagglutination" is derived from two elements: "haema-" and "agglutination".
1. "Haema-" is derived from the Greek word "haima" meaning "blood". It refers to blood-related contexts.
2. "Agglutination" originates from the Latin word "agglutinare", which means "to glue together" or "to clump". In medical and biological terminology, it describes the process of clumping or sticking together of particles.
Therefore, "haemagglutination" refers to the process of clumping or aggregation of blood cells, particularly red blood cells, often induced by a specific substance such as an antibody or a virus.
Similar spelling words for HAEMAGGLUTINATION
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