What is the Difference Between Protomers and Capsomeres?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between protomers and capsomeres lies in their role and structure within the viral capsid:
- Protomers: These are structural units of oligomeric proteins, meaning they are composed of more than one polypeptide chain (chain of amino acids that make up proteins). Protomers aggregate to form capsomeres.
- Capsomeres: These are individual proteins composed of protomers and serve as protein subunits of the viral capsid. Capsomeres are the building blocks of the capsid, while protomers are the subunits that make up capsomeres. Capsomeres aggregate to form the capsid, a protein coat that surrounds and protects the viral genome.
In summary, protomers are subunits of capsomeres, and capsomeres are subunits of the viral capsid. Both protomers and capsomeres can self-assemble.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Protomers and Capsomeres? Comparative Table: Protomers vs Capsomeres
Comparative Table: Protomers vs Capsomeres
Here is a table summarizing the differences between protomers and capsomeres:
Feature | Protomers | Capsomeres |
---|---|---|
Definition | Protomers are subunits of capsomeres and the structural units of oligomeric proteins. | Capsomeres are protein subunits of the viral capsid, formed by the aggregation of protomers. |
Self-assembly | Protomers connect with each other via specific bonds and self-assemble. | Capsomeres self-assemble to form the capsid, which is the protein coat that surrounds and protects the viral genome. |
Function | Protomers are the functional units of the capsid. | Capsomeres are the morphological units of the capsid and can be arranged in different ways (helical, icosahedral, or complex) depending on the virus. |
Structure | Protomers are composed of several different polypeptide chains. | Capsomeres are composed of several protomers and are the building blocks of the capsid. |
In summary, protomers are the subunits that make up capsomeres, which in turn form the viral capsid. Protomers self-assemble to create capsomeres, and capsomeres self-assemble to form the capsid, providing structure and protection to the viral genome.
Read more:
- Capsid vs Capsomere
- Capsid vs Nucleocapsid
- Centrosome vs Centromere
- Capsid vs Envelope
- Tautomerism vs Metamerism
- Prototropy vs Tautomerism
- Anomers vs Epimers
- Protonema vs Prothallus
- Isoschizomers vs Isocaudomers
- Microcapsule vs Microsphere
- Protoplast vs Protoplasm
- Centromere vs Telomere
- Ribosome vs Centrosome
- Ceramide vs Cerebroside
- Protostomes vs Deuterostomes
- Polymer vs Monomer
- Isoschizomers vs Neoschizomers
- Slime Layer vs Capsule
- Position Isomerism vs Metamerism