Capsomere

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Capsomere

Capsomere (/ˈkæpsəˌmɪər/) is a subunit of the capsid, which is the protein shell of a virus. The term is derived from the Latin capsa meaning "box" and the Greek meros meaning "part".

Structure

Capsomeres are the basic building blocks of the icosahedral capsid in many viruses. They are self-assembling, which means they can spontaneously form the structure of the capsid without the need for other proteins or enzymes. The number of capsomeres in a capsid can vary depending on the type of virus, but typically ranges from 60 to 360.

Function

The primary function of capsomeres is to protect the viral genome from degradation by enzymes and to help in the transfer of the genome from the host cell to the virus. They also play a role in the infection process by interacting with the host cell's membrane.

Related Terms

  • Capsid: The protein shell of a virus, composed of capsomeres.
  • Virus: A small infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism.
  • Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

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