Adhesins
Adhesins
Adhesins (/ədˈhiːzɪnz/) are a type of protein that can be found on the surface of certain microorganisms. They play a crucial role in the process of infection by allowing these microorganisms to adhere to the host's cells.
Etymology
The term "adhesin" is derived from the Latin word "adhaerere", which means "to stick to". It was first used in this context in the late 20th century to describe the proteins that enable bacteria to stick to surfaces.
Function
Adhesins are responsible for the initial attachment of the microorganism to the host cell. This is the first step in the process of infection. The adhesins bind to specific receptors on the surface of the host cell, allowing the microorganism to establish a foothold from which it can begin to multiply and spread.
Types of Adhesins
There are several different types of adhesins, each of which binds to a specific type of receptor. These include:
- Fimbrial adhesins: These are found on the tips of the fimbriae (hair-like structures) on the surface of certain bacteria.
- Afimbrial adhesins: These are found on the surface of bacteria that do not have fimbriae.
- Capsular adhesins: These are found on the surface of the capsule that surrounds some bacteria.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adhesins
- Wikipedia's article - Adhesins
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