MUTANT PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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A mutant protein refers to a protein molecule that has undergone structural changes or alterations in its amino acid sequence due to mutations in the corresponding gene. Proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids, and the sequence of these amino acids determines the protein's structure and function. A mutation can introduce a change in this sequence, leading to the formation of a mutant protein.
The mutation may involve a single amino acid substitution, deletion or insertion of one or more amino acids, or rearrangement of the protein's structure. These alterations can affect the protein's folding, stability, interaction with other molecules, enzymatic activity, or other functional properties. Consequently, mutant proteins may exhibit different characteristics compared to their normal (wild-type) counterparts.
Mutant proteins often arise due to genetic mutations, which can occur spontaneously or be induced by environmental factors, chemicals, radiation, or errors during DNA replication or repair. In some cases, mutant proteins can be associated with genetic disorders or diseases. They may contribute to abnormal cellular processes, impairing proper functioning and leading to pathophysiological conditions.
To study the properties and functions of mutant proteins, researchers often employ genetic engineering techniques to introduce specific mutations in a target gene and produce the corresponding mutant protein. This allows for a better understanding of the protein's role in cellular processes and the potential implications of genetic mutations on its functional behavior.
Common Misspellings for MUTANT PROTEIN
- nutant protein
- kutant protein
- jutant protein
- mytant protein
- mhtant protein
- mjtant protein
- mitant protein
- m8tant protein
- m7tant protein
- murant protein
- mufant protein
- mugant protein
- muyant protein
- mu6ant protein
- mu5ant protein
- mutznt protein
- mutsnt protein
- mutwnt protein
- mutqnt protein
- mutabt protein
Etymology of MUTANT PROTEIN
The etymology of the word "mutant protein" can be broken down as follows:
1. Mutant: The term "mutant" comes from the Latin word "mutatus", which means "altered" or "changed". It is derived from the verb "mutare", meaning "to change". In biology, a mutant refers to an organism or a gene that has experienced a genetic mutation or alteration.
2. Protein: The term "protein" comes from the French word "protéine", which was coined by the Dutch chemist Gerardus Johannes Mulder in 1838. Mulder derived the word from the Greek word "prōteios", meaning "primary" or "to take the first place". Proteins are fundamental biological molecules composed of amino acids and play crucial roles in various biological processes.
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