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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers01:00

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Homopolymers

Polymers that are made up of identical monomer units are called homopolymers. Only one repeating unit is involved in the construction of the homopolymer structure. For example, as depicted in Figure 1, polypropylene is a homopolymer constituted of propylene monomers. Here, the only repeating unit in the polymer chain is propylene.
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers01:24

Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers

Copolymers are the products obtained from the polymerization of multiple monomer species. So, in a polymer chain itself, there can be multiple repeating units that come from different monomers. The process of synthesizing a polymer from different monomer species is called copolymerization. When two monomers are involved, the polymer is known as a bipolymer. Polymers with three and four monomers are termed terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the copolymerization of...
Phosphodiester Linkages01:01

Phosphodiester Linkages

Overview
Phosphodiester bond forms when a phosphoric acid molecule (H3PO4) links with two hydroxyl groups (–OH) of two other molecules, forming two ester bonds. Two water molecules are released in this process. The phosphodiester bond is commonly found in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and plays a critical role in their structure and function.
Phosphodiester Bonds Link Nucleotides Together
DNA and RNA are polynucleotides or long chains of nucleotides that are linked together. A nucleotide is...
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)00:53

Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)

Acyclic diene metathesis polymerization or ADMET polymerization involves cross-metathesis of terminal dienes, such as 1,8-nonadiene, to give linear unsaturated polymer and ethylene. As ADMET is a reversible process, the formed ethylene gas must be removed from the reaction mixture to complete the polymerization process.
Similar to cross-metathesis, ADMET also involves the formation of metallacyclobutane intermediate by [2+2] cycloaddition of one of the double bonds of a terminal diene with...
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...

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Updated: May 18, 2026

Transmembrane Domain Oligomerization Propensity determined by ToxR Assay
06:45

Transmembrane Domain Oligomerization Propensity determined by ToxR Assay

Published on: May 26, 2011

Dimers, oligomers, everywhere.

Jacqueline M Matthews1, Margaret Sunde

  • 1School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. jacqui.matthews@sydney.edu.au

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 6, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Protein oligomerization, the self-association of proteins into dimers or larger complexes, is common. This review explores its prevalence, origins, and functional advantages driving its evolution.

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Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Transmembrane Domain Oligomerization Propensity determined by ToxR Assay
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Transmembrane Domain Oligomerization Propensity determined by ToxR Assay

Published on: May 26, 2011

Self-assembling Morphologies Obtained from Helical Polycarbodiimide Copolymers and Their Triazole Derivatives
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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Protein self-association into homodimers and oligomers is a prevalent phenomenon in biological systems.
  • Understanding the evolutionary pressures and functional significance of these protein complexes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and origins of protein oligomerization.
  • To outline the functional advantages conferred by protein dimerization and oligomerization across various biological roles.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on protein oligomerization.
  • Analysis of functional advantages and evolutionary pressures related to protein complex formation.

Main Results:

  • Protein oligomerization is widespread across diverse proteins and biological functions.
  • Specific self-association interfaces are maintained due to conferred functional benefits.

Conclusions:

  • Protein oligomerization is a fundamental biological process shaped by evolutionary selection.
  • The functional advantages of protein complexes underscore their importance in cellular mechanisms.