Tetramer
Tetramer
A Tetramer (/tɛˈtræmər/, from the Greek 'tetra-', meaning 'four' and '-mer', from 'meros', meaning 'part') is a type of polymer composed of four subunits or monomers. The associated property is called 'tetramery'.
Etymology
The term 'Tetramer' is derived from the Greek words 'tetra-', which means 'four', and '-mer', from 'meros', which means 'part'. This is in reference to the structure of a tetramer, which is composed of four subunits.
Structure
A Tetramer is a type of oligomer that is made up of four monomers or subunits. These subunits can be the same or different. The subunits are typically bound together by non-covalent interactions, although in some cases they may be covalently bonded. Tetramers are often involved in the process of protein folding and function.
Examples
Some examples of tetramers include hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and immunoglobulin G (IgG), an antibody that plays a key role in the immune response. Both of these are examples of heterotetramers, as they are composed of different subunits.
Related Terms
- Monomer: A molecule that can join together with other molecules to form a polymer.
- Dimer: A molecule or molecular complex consisting of two identical molecules linked together.
- Trimer: A polymer derived from three identical single molecules.
- Polymer: A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits.
- Oligomer: A molecular complex of chemicals that consists of a few monomer units.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tetramer
- Wikipedia's article - Tetramer
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