heteromerické

Heteromerické is a term used in chemistry and biology to describe a type of molecular assembly or complex. Specifically, it refers to a structure composed of two or more different types of molecular subunits or components. This is in contrast to homomeric structures, which are formed from identical subunits.

In the context of proteins, a heteromeric complex is one that consists of polypeptide chains that are different from each other. For example, hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in blood, is a heterotetramer, meaning it is composed of four subunits, two of which are alpha-globin chains and two are beta-globin chains. These different subunits are held together by non-covalent interactions.

The concept of heteromericity is also applicable to other molecular entities, such as nucleic acids and carbohydrates, where complexes can be formed from different types of monomers or building blocks. The specific arrangement and interaction of these different subunits are crucial for the function of the resulting heteromeric complex. Understanding the heteromeric nature of a molecule is often key to deciphering its biological role and mechanism of action.