How Do You Spell SIALIDASE?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪəlˌɪde͡ɪs] (IPA)

Sialidase is an enzyme that breaks down sialic acid. Its spelling is derived from the word "sialic" and the suffix "-dase," indicating its function as an enzyme. In IPA phonetic transcription, its pronunciation is [saɪˈælɪdeɪs], where the "ai" represents the long "i" sound, the "a" is pronounced like "ah," and the final "s" is silent. The correct spelling of scientific terms is crucial for accurate communication and understanding in academic and research settings.

SIALIDASE Meaning and Definition

1. Sialidase is an enzyme that belongs to the glycoside hydrolase family and is involved in the breakdown of sialic acids. Sialic acids are a family of derivatives of neuraminic acid, a nine-carbon monosaccharide, and are found ubiquitously in most animal tissues and fluids, as well as in some bacteria.

   The primary role of sialidase is the cleavage of sialic acid residues from glycoproteins, glycolipids, and oligosaccharides. This enzymatic activity plays crucial roles in various biological processes, including cell adhesion and migration, virus replication and infection, bacterial pathogenesis, and immune response modulation.

   Sialidases are commonly found in different organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and mammals. It is particularly important in viral infections, as many viruses utilize the presence of sialic acids on host cell surfaces for attachment and entry into the cell. By catalyzing the removal of sialic acids, sialidase can disrupt the viral attachment and release newly formed viral particles. Therefore, sialidase inhibitors have been studied as potential antiviral drugs.

   Due to its importance in different biological processes, sialidase has been extensively studied in various fields, including virology, glycobiology, and enzymology. Its diverse roles and potential therapeutic applications make it an intriguing target for further research and drug development.

Common Misspellings for SIALIDASE

• wialidase

Etymology of SIALIDASE

The word "sialidase" has a Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "sialon", which means "saliva", and the suffix "-idase", which is derived from the Greek word "eidos", meaning "to break down". "Sialidase" refers to an enzyme that helps break down or cleave the glycosidic linkages in sialic acids, which are sugar molecules commonly found in saliva and other bodily fluids.