multimerization
Proteins forming complexes
Multimerization is the process by which individual protein units or molecules combine to form a larger complex called a multimer.
The term appears in biochemistry and molecular biology to describe how proteins assemble into functional structures: The enzyme undergoes multimerization to become active.
Related forms include multimerize (verb) and multimeric (adjective).
Component parts of larger units
- quaternaryFourth-order or four-bonded
- self-assemblySpontaneous structural organization
- nucleationInitial cluster formation
- dimerTwo-unit molecular assembly
trimer · hexamer · interface · scaffolding · aggregation · stoichiometry · symmetry · association
Folded amino chain
- oligomerShort chain of monomers
- macromoleculeVery large molecule
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
- foldingBending something over itself
domain · stability · affinity · crosslinking · electrostatic · immunoglobulin · collagen · hemoglobin
Fourth-order or four-bonded
- conformationStructural form or arrangement
- interfaceShared connection point
- domainArea of control
- subunitPart of larger entity
topology · symmetry · folding · stability · coiled-coil · cage · filament · channel
Official rules governing conduct
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
- activationSetting into operation
- inhibitionMental check on behavior
- bindingLegally or morally required
affinity · specificity · dynamics · avidity
subunits
Component parts of larger units
- quaternaryFourth-order or four-bonded
- self-assemblySpontaneous structural organization
- nucleationInitial cluster formation
dimer · trimer · hexamer · interface · scaffolding · aggregation · stoichiometry · symmetry · association · monomer
protein
Folded amino chain
- oligomerShort chain of monomers
- macromoleculeVery large molecule
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
folding · domain · stability · affinity · crosslinking · electrostatic · immunoglobulin · collagen · hemoglobin · tubulin
quaternary
Fourth-order or four-bonded
- conformationStructural form or arrangement
- interfaceShared connection point
- domainArea of control
subunit · topology · symmetry · folding · stability · coiled-coil · cage · filament · channel · pore
regulation
Official rules governing conduct
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
- activationSetting into operation
- inhibitionMental check on behavior
binding · affinity · specificity · dynamics · avidity
multimerizationdissociation
Mental separation from surroundings
disassembly · depolymerization · disaggregation · degradation · fragmentation