dimer
Two units bonded
A dimer is a molecule or compound formed when two identical simpler units bond together.
The term appears frequently in chemistry and biochemistry: The protein functions as a dimer.
Many biological molecules—antibodies, enzymes, receptors—exist as dimers, with the paired structure essential to their function.
Signal-receiving molecule
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
- associationGroup with shared aim
- dissociationMental separation from surroundings
interface · contact · crosslinking · bridging · tethering · covalent · disulfide · hydrophobic
Very large molecule
- proteinFolded amino chain
- subunitPart of larger entity
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
- peptideShort amino acid chain
nucleotide · quaternary · trimer · complex · assembly · folding · conformation · structure
Two matching things
- duoTwo working together
- dyadTwo forming one
- twofoldConsisting of two parts
- duplexDivided dwelling, shared walls
binary · dual · doublet · tandem · twinning · coupled · matched · complementary
Protein that hastens reactions
- kinasePhosphate-transferring enzyme
- phosphorylationPhosphate group attachment process
- activationSetting into operation
- inhibitionMental check on behavior
catalysis · substrate · cofactor · regulation · signaling · transduction · modulation · effector
receptor
Signal-receiving molecule
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
- associationGroup with shared aim
dissociation · interface · contact · crosslinking · bridging · tethering · covalent · disulfide · hydrophobic · electrostatic
macromolecule
Very large molecule
- proteinFolded amino chain
- subunitPart of larger entity
- polypeptideAmino acid polymer
peptide · nucleotide · quaternary · trimer · complex · assembly · folding · conformation · structure · crystallography
pair
Two matching things
duplex · binary · dual · doublet · tandem · twinning · coupled · matched · complementary · symmetric
enzyme
Protein that hastens reactions
- kinasePhosphate-transferring enzyme
- phosphorylationPhosphate group attachment process
- activationSetting into operation
inhibition · catalysis · substrate · cofactor · regulation · signaling · transduction · modulation · effector · active site