Spike protein
Spike Protein
The Spike Protein (pronunciation: /spaɪk ˈproʊtiːn/) is a type of protein that protrudes from the surface of certain viruses, including the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Etymology
The term "Spike Protein" is derived from the protein's spike-like structure, which resembles the spikes seen on the surface of coronaviruses when viewed under an electron microscope.
Function
Spike Proteins play a crucial role in the ability of viruses to infect host cells. They bind to specific receptors on the host cell's surface, allowing the virus to enter and infect the cell. In the case of the coronavirus, the Spike Protein binds to the ACE2 receptor found on the surface of human cells.
Related Terms
- Virus: A small infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism.
- Protein: Large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body.
- Coronavirus: A type of virus that can infect the respiratory tract of mammals, including humans.
- COVID-19: An infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
- Electron Microscope: A microscope that uses a beam of accelerated electrons as a source of illumination.
- Receptor: A protein molecule that receives chemical signals from outside a cell.
- ACE2: A protein on the surface of many cell types. It is an enzyme that generates small proteins - by cutting up the larger protein angiotensinogen - that then go on to regulate functions in the cell.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spike protein
- Wikipedia's article - Spike protein
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