How Do You Spell SPECIFIC OPSONIN?

Pronunciation: [spəsˈɪfɪk ˈɒpsənˌɪn] (IPA)

The spelling of "specific opsonin" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), a standardized system for representing sounds in spoken language. "Specific" is pronounced as spəˈsɪfɪk, with the "sp" sound followed by a short "u" sound, and "opsonin" is pronounced as ɒpˈsɒnɪn, with a short "o" sound and emphasis on the second syllable. Together, these two words sound like "spuh-SIF-ik op-SON-in" when spoken aloud. "Specific opsonin" refers to a type of immune protein that helps the body identify and destroy harmful bacteria.

SPECIFIC OPSONIN Meaning and Definition

1. Specific opsonin refers to a type of protein molecule that plays a crucial role in the immune response of an organism by facilitating the recognition and elimination of foreign pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. This protein is classified as an opsonin because it enhances the process of phagocytosis, which is the engulfing and digestion of pathogens by immune cells called phagocytes.

   Unlike general opsonins, which can bind to various pathogens and enhance their uptake by phagocytes, specific opsonins are specifically designed to recognize and bind to a particular type of pathogen. These specific opsonins are produced by the immune system in response to exposure to a particular pathogen or antigen, which triggers a targeted immune response.

   The binding of specific opsonins to pathogens helps in their recognition by phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils. This recognition occurs through the interaction between the specific opsonin and the receptors present on the surface of phagocytes. Once bound to the pathogen, the specific opsonin acts as a molecular tag, marking the pathogen for ingestion by the phagocytic cell.

   By opsonizing the pathogen, the specific opsonin enhances the efficiency of phagocytosis, promoting the clearance of the pathogen from the body. This process is crucial for the immune system to effectively eliminate specific pathogens and prevent the spread of infection throughout the organism.

   In summary, specific opsonins are a type of protein molecules produced by the immune system that bind to specific pathogens, facilitating their recognition and ingestion by phagocytes, ultimately promoting the elimination of the pathogens and the resolution of infection.

2. O. formed in the serum in response to infection by a specific microorganism or to artificial inoculation with dead cultures of this same microbe; it is thermostable and is effective only against this particular bacterial species.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SPECIFIC OPSONIN

• specificopsoninn
• specificopsownin
• specificopsunin
• spe cific opsonin
• spec ific opsonin
• speci fic opsonin
• specif ic opsonin
• specifi c opsonin
• specific ops onin
• specific opso nin
• specific opson in
• specific opsoni n

Etymology of SPECIFIC OPSONIN

The term "specific opsonin" is comprised of two main components: "specific" and "opsonin".

The word "specific" originates from the Late Latin word "specificus", which means "particular" or "of a kind". It is derived from the Latin word "species", meaning "kind" or "appearance". "Specific" refers to something characterized by being clearly defined, distinct, or unique.

The term "opsonin" has its roots in the Greek word "opsis", meaning "to buy" or "purchase", and the Greek word "onkos", meaning "mass" or "bulk". The concept of an "opsonin" was introduced by Scottish immunologist Robert Cruickshank in 1903 to describe substances that enhance phagocytosis, the process by which cells engulf and destroy foreign particles.