HOMOTRIMER Meaning and
Definition
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A homotrimer refers to a specific type of protein or molecular complex that is composed of three identical subunits. The term "homo" in homotrimer signifies the sameness or identity of these subunits. Trimerization occurs when the identical subunits associate with one another to form a stable trimeric structure.
Homotrimers play a crucial role in various biological processes by providing structural stability, functional diversity, and efficient interactions. These complexes can be found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, and they are involved in different cellular functions such as enzymatic catalysis, signal transduction, receptor activation, and protein transport.
Since all three subunits in a homotrimer are identical, they possess similar protein sequences or molecular arrangements. This structural similarity allows them to interact and bind with ligands or other molecules with high affinity and specificity. The trimeric nature of homotrimers often provides increased stability to the proteins, allowing them to withstand harsh biochemical conditions.
Homotrimers are an important research focus within biochemistry and structural biology due to their role in many cellular processes. Understanding their three-dimensional structure, assembly mechanisms, and functional properties enable the discovery of potential therapeutic targets and the development of drugs or inhibitors that can modulate their activities. Additionally, homotrimers serve as model systems for investigating protein-protein interactions, protein folding, and the dynamics of multimeric assemblies.
Common Misspellings for HOMOTRIMER
- gomotrimer
- bomotrimer
- nomotrimer
- jomotrimer
- uomotrimer
- yomotrimer
- himotrimer
- hkmotrimer
- hlmotrimer
- hpmotrimer
- h0motrimer
- h9motrimer
- honotrimer
- hokotrimer
- hojotrimer
- homitrimer
- homktrimer
- homltrimer
- homptrimer
- hom0trimer
Etymology of HOMOTRIMER
The term "homotrimer" combines two components: "homo-" and "-trimer".
1. "Homo-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "homos", meaning "same" or "similar". It is widely used in various scientific and medical terms to indicate similarity, sameness, or uniformity.
2. "-Trimer" comes from the Greek word "tris", meaning "three". It functions as a combining form indicating the number three. In scientific terminology, "-trimer" is often used to describe a molecule composed of three identical or similar subunits.
Therefore, when combined, "homotrimer" refers to a trimer consisting of three identical or similar subunits. This term is commonly used in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein structure to describe the composition of certain proteins or protein complexes.
