ISOMETALLOTHIONEIN Meaning and
Definition
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Isometallothionein is a term used in biochemistry to describe a specific type of metal-binding protein found in various organisms. It refers to a group of proteins that possess similar structural and functional characteristics to metallothioneins, but differ in their amino acid sequences.
Metallothioneins are small, cysteine-rich proteins that have a high affinity for binding metal ions such as zinc, copper, and cadmium. They play a crucial role in regulating the homeostasis of these metals in cells, protecting against metal toxicity, and participating in essential biological processes. Isometallothioneins, on the other hand, share this metal-binding capability with metallothioneins but exhibit differences in their amino acid composition and organization.
Isometallothioneins can be found in various organisms, including bacteria, plants, and animals. These proteins typically contain multiple metal-binding motifs, composed of cysteine residues that coordinate metal ions through thiolate bonds. The precise function of isometallothioneins is not yet fully understood; however, they are believed to have roles in metal detoxification, metal transport, and metal ion homeostasis, similar to metallothioneins.
Given their structural similarities to metallothioneins, isometallothioneins are classified within the metallothionein superfamily. They are distinguished by their specific amino acid sequence, tertiary structure, and metal-binding characteristics, making them a unique subset of metal-binding proteins. Future research is essential to uncover the precise physiological functions and molecular mechanisms of isometallothioneins, contributing to our understanding of metal biology and potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.
Common Misspellings for ISOMETALLOTHIONEIN
- usometallothionein
- jsometallothionein
- ksometallothionein
- osometallothionein
- 9sometallothionein
- 8sometallothionein
- iaometallothionein
- izometallothionein
- ixometallothionein
- idometallothionein
- ieometallothionein
- iwometallothionein
- isimetallothionein
- iskmetallothionein
- islmetallothionein
- ispmetallothionein
- is0metallothionein
- is9metallothionein
- isonetallothionein
- isoketallothionein
Etymology of ISOMETALLOTHIONEIN
The word "isometallothionein" is a scientific term that is composed of several morphemes:
1. Iso-: A prefix in Greek meaning "equal" or "same".
2. Metallo-: A combining form meaning "related to metal". This morpheme is derived from the Greek word "metallon", which means "metal".
3. Thio-: A prefix from Greek meaning "sulfur" or "sulfide".
4. -ein: A suffix used to form names of proteins.
When combined, the word "isometallothionein" refers to a protein that is related to metal and contains sulfur, and shares some resemblance or similarity with other metallothionein proteins.
