NEURAMINIDASE Meaning and
Definition
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Neuraminidase is a type of enzyme that plays a crucial role in the biology of influenza viruses and other pathogens. It is an essential protein found on the surface of these viruses and is involved in allowing the virus to replicate and spread within the host.
From a structural perspective, neuraminidase is a glycoprotein that contains active sites responsible for cleaving sialic acid residues. Sialic acids are a type of sugar molecule that are prominently found on the surface of host cells, particularly in the respiratory tract. By cleaving sialic acids, neuraminidase facilitates the release of newly formed viral particles from infected cells, enabling the virus to spread and infect new cells in the host.
Neuraminidase is significant in the context of influenza viruses, as it is one of the key proteins targeted by antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These drugs inhibit the activity of neuraminidase, preventing the release and spread of viral particles. By reducing the viral load, these medications can aid in the recovery of infected individuals, lessen the severity and duration of symptoms, and limit the transmission of the virus to others.
Overall, neuraminidase is an enzyme that is critical for the life cycle of influenza viruses, serving as a target for antiviral drug therapies aimed at controlling and preventing the spread of these pathogens.
Common Misspellings for NEURAMINIDASE
- beuraminidase
- meuraminidase
- jeuraminidase
- heuraminidase
- nwuraminidase
- nsuraminidase
- nduraminidase
- nruraminidase
- n4uraminidase
- n3uraminidase
- neyraminidase
- nehraminidase
- nejraminidase
- neiraminidase
- ne8raminidase
- ne7raminidase
- neueaminidase
- neudaminidase
- neufaminidase
- neutaminidase
Etymology of NEURAMINIDASE
The word "neuraminidase" has its etymology rooted in Greek and Latin.
The term can be broken down into two components: "neuramin" and "idase".
"Neuramin" comes from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve", and "amin" from "amine", which refers to certain organic compounds.
When combined, "neuramin" refers to a chemical group found in nerve tissue.
The suffix "idase" is derived from the Latin word "idus", which signifies "belonging to" or "related to".
Therefore, "neuraminidase" can be understood to mean an enzyme or substance related to or associated with the "neuramin" group found in nerve tissue.
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