HAPTOPHORE Meaning and
Definition
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A haptophore is a structural feature found in certain chemicals or molecules that allows them to bind specifically to target molecules or receptors. Derived from the Greek words "haptein" meaning "to grasp" or "to take hold" and "phorein" meaning "to carry," the term haptophore describes the part of a molecule that is responsible for binding or attaching to a specific target.
In biochemistry, the haptophore is typically a distinct region or functional group within a larger molecule that enables it to interact with target molecules through non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, or hydrophobic interactions. By recognizing and binding to specific receptors or molecules, the haptophore facilitates various biological processes such as cell signaling, immune response, or enzymatic reactions.
The specific structure and chemical properties of the haptophore largely determine its binding affinity and specificity. Through complementary interactions with the target molecule's surface features or functional groups, the haptophore forms a stable complex, allowing for various cellular processes to occur.
Overall, the concept of haptophore is widely used in the field of molecular biology and drug design, as understanding the interaction between the haptophore and its target is essential for developing therapeutic interventions, designing specific ligands, or engineering molecules with desired binding properties.
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The atom group of an antigen or antibody molecule by means of which the molecule can combine with a cell or with its corresponding antibody or antigen, respectively.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HAPTOPHORE
- gaptophore
- baptophore
- naptophore
- japtophore
- uaptophore
- yaptophore
- hzptophore
- hsptophore
- hwptophore
- hqptophore
- haotophore
- haltophore
- ha-tophore
- ha0tophore
- haprophore
- hapfophore
- hapgophore
- hapyophore
- hap6ophore
- hap5ophore
Etymology of HAPTOPHORE
The word "haptophore" is derived from two Greek roots: "haptos" and "phorein".
The root "haptos" (ἁπτός) means "to touch" or "to grasp" in Greek. It is related to the verb "haptein" (ἅπτειν), which means "to fasten" or "to join".
The root "phorein" (φορεῖν) means "to bear" or "to carry" in Greek. It is derived from the noun "phoros" (φόρος), which means "load" or "burden".
By combining these two roots, "haptophore" is formed, which can be interpreted as a "grasping" or "bearing" structure or mechanism.
