isoform
/ˈaɪ.soʊˌfɔːrm/
Definition
One of two or more functionally similar proteins that have slightly different amino acid sequences and are produced by the same gene or closely related genes.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'isos' meaning 'equal' and the word 'form,' referring to its shape or structure. It entered scientific terminology in the mid-20th century to describe distinct structural variants of a single substance.
In the news
The word is used to describe specific variations of connexin proteins that researchers study to understand how they influence gap junction function in health and disease. It highlights the granular level at which scientists examine cellular machinery to uncover biological mechanisms.
PittCell Brings Region’s Cell Biology Community Together
Read the full article ↗Carnegie Mellon University