trimer
Three-unit polymer
A trimer is a molecule or compound formed from three identical smaller units (monomers) bonded together.
The term appears in chemistry and biochemistry: The protein exists as a trimer in solution.
Many biological structures—certain viral proteins, collagen—naturally form trimers.
Compare dimer (two units) and polymer (many units).
Part of larger entity
- macromoleculeVery large molecule
- complexHaving many interconnected parts
- quaternaryFourth-order or four-bonded
- assemblyConstructing from components
protein · hexamer · aggregate · collagen · fibrinogen · capsid · symmetry · folding
Bonded atomic group
- compoundCombined into one
- synthesisCombining parts into whole
- bondingForming close connections
- cyclicRepeating in sequence
linear · aromatic · isomer · configuration · reaction · phosphorus · sulfur · formaldehyde
subunit
Part of larger entity
- macromoleculeVery large molecule
- complexHaving many interconnected parts
- quaternaryFourth-order or four-bonded
assembly · protein · hexamer · aggregate · collagen · fibrinogen · capsid · symmetry · folding · native
molecule
Bonded atomic group
cyclic · linear · aromatic · isomer · configuration · reaction · phosphorus · sulfur · formaldehyde · acetaldehyde
receptor
Signal-receiving molecule
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
- membraneThin tissue sheet
spike · viral · influenza · HIV · envelope · fusion · binding · antibody · epitope · conformation