Hemadsorption is a term used in virology to describe a phenomenon where certain viruses bind to red blood cells, leading to a clumping effect. The phonetic transcription of this word in IPA is /hɛmədˈsɔːpʃən/. The first syllable "hem-" refers to blood, while "-ad-" means "to bind" and "-sorption" means "to absorb". Therefore, the spelling of this word accurately reflects its meaning and pronunciation. Hemadsorption is an important diagnostic tool in identifying specific viruses, such as measles and mumps.
Hemadsorption is a biological phenomenon describing the adherence or attachment of red blood cells (RBCs) to the surface of certain virus-infected or transformed cells. It is a characteristic feature predominantly observed in viral infections or cancerous cell lines. This phenomenon is mediated by specific molecules present on the surface of infected or transformed cells, which bind to receptors found on RBCs, allowing them to stick together.
The process of hemadsorption involves the recognition and binding of viral particles or transformed cells to RBCs through interactions with cell surface receptors. This binding results in the formation of clumps or aggregates known as hemadsorption plaques. These infected or transformed cells may produce specific proteins or glycans on their surface, which act as ligands for RBCs, enabling adhesion.
Hemadsorption assays are commonly employed in virology and cell biology research to study viral infections and the behavior of transformed cells. They are useful in identifying and characterizing viral strains, determining virus host range, and assessing viral cytopathic effects. Additionally, hemadsorption can be indicative of the level of viral replication or malignant transformation occurring in a particular cell line.
Overall, hemadsorption is a phenomenon involving the adherence of red blood cells to virus-infected or transformed cells, primarily due to specific molecular interactions. This phenomenon has significant applications in the fields of virology and cell biology, playing a crucial role in understanding viral infections and cancerous cell behaviors.
The word "Hemadsorption" is derived from two parts: "Hema-" and "adsorption".
1. "Hema-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "haima", which means blood. It is commonly used in scientific and medical terminology related to blood or blood cells. Examples include hematopoiesis (formation of blood cells) and hematology (study of blood).
2. "Adsorption" is a term used to describe the process by which molecules or particles adhere to a surface. This term is derived from the Latin word "adsorbēre", which means "to suck up" or "to adhere to". It is distinguished from absorption, which refers to the process of particles getting assimilated throughout the bulk of a substance.