IDIOLYSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Idiolysin is a term used in the field of microbiology to describe a specific type of bacteriocin, which is a protein produced by bacteria that exhibits antimicrobial properties. Unlike other bacteriocins, which often have a broad spectrum of activity against various bacterial strains, idiolysin is unique in its ability to specifically target and destroy closely related or genetically similar strains of bacteria.
The term idiolysin is derived from two components: "idio," meaning self or unique, and "lysin," referring to the ability to lyse or break apart cells. Therefore, idiolysin can be understood as a bacteriocin that specifically lyses or kills cells that share a similar genetic makeup.
The production of idiolysin by bacteria is believed to serve as a competitive advantage by contributing to the elimination of closely related strains that may compete for resources or occupy the same niche. It is thought to play a role in maintaining microbial diversity and preventing the proliferation of closely related bacterial populations.
Idiolysin is of particular interest in the field of probiotics and the development of therapeutic agents, as it offers a potential tool for selectively targeting and eliminating harmful bacteria without causing widespread disruption of the commensal microbial community. Further research into the mechanisms of idiolysin production and its specific activity against related strains is necessary to fully understand its potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.
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A lysin normally present in the blood and not formed in response to the injection of an antigen.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IDIOLYSIN
- udiolysin
- jdiolysin
- kdiolysin
- odiolysin
- 9diolysin
- 8diolysin
- isiolysin
- ixiolysin
- iciolysin
- ifiolysin
- iriolysin
- ieiolysin
- iduolysin
- idjolysin
- idkolysin
- idoolysin
- id9olysin
- id8olysin
- idiilysin
- idiklysin
Etymology of IDIOLYSIN
The word "idiolysin" is derived from two root terms: "idio-" and "-lys-".
The prefix "idio-" stems from the Greek word "idios", meaning "one's own" or "personal". It is commonly used as a prefix to denote something unique, distinctive, or pertaining to an individual.
The suffix "-lys-" originates from the Greek word "lysis", which means "loosening" or "dissolution". In biological terminology, "-lys" is utilized to indicate the process of breaking down or destroying.
Combining these elements, "idiolysin" can be understood as something that causes the destruction or dissolution of a particular or individual substance. In the context of biology, an "idiolysin" refers to a substance or enzyme that facilitates the lysis or destruction of specific cells or tissues.
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