Cterminális

Cterminális is a term used in various fields, primarily in biology and genetics, to describe a location or end. In molecular biology, it refers to the end of a nucleic acid molecule, such as DNA or RNA. Specifically, it denotes the 3' end (pronounced "three prime end"), which is characterized by a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the third carbon atom of the deoxyribose or ribose sugar ring. This end is distinct from the 5' end (pronounced "five prime end"), which has a phosphate group attached to the fifth carbon atom. The directionality of nucleic acid molecules is crucial for processes like replication, transcription, and translation.

In the context of proteins, Cterminális refers to the end of a polypeptide chain that terminates with a free carboxyl group (-COOH). This is also known as the carboxyl terminus or C-terminus. Amino acids are added to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis starting from the N-terminus (amino terminus) and ending at the C-terminus. The sequence of amino acids from the N-terminus to the C-terminus defines the primary structure of a protein. The C-terminus often plays a role in protein folding, stability, and interactions with other molecules.

The term "Cterminális" is derived from the Latin word "terminus," meaning end. Its usage in scientific literature clearly delineates one extremity of a molecule from another, providing essential information for understanding molecular mechanisms and biological processes.