Subunit

Subunit is a term used in various scientific disciplines with different meanings. In biochemistry, it refers to the individual component proteins of a multi-protein complex. In virology, it refers to a component of a virus. In pharmacology, it refers to the individual component proteins of a receptor complex.

Biochemistry

In biochemistry, a subunit is a protein molecule that assembles with other protein molecules to form a protein complex. Some naturally occurring proteins have a relatively small number of subunits and therefore described as oligomeric, for example hemoglobin. Others may consist of a very large number of subunits and therefore described as multimeric, for example microtubules.

Virology

In virology, a subunit is a distinct component of a virus. It may refer to a structural component of the virus, such as a protein or a nucleic acid. It can also refer to a functional component, such as an enzyme or a receptor binding molecule.

Pharmacology

In pharmacology, a subunit is a protein molecule that forms part of a receptor complex. Many receptors are composed of multiple subunits that each contribute to the overall function of the receptor. For example, the GABA receptor is a pentameric complex that includes different types of subunits, and the configuration of these subunits determines the properties of the receptor.

See also

• Protein quaternary structure
• Protein tertiary structure
• Protein secondary structure
• Protein primary structure

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