Annexins are a group of proteins that play a crucial role in a variety of cellular functions. They are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including animals, plants, and fungi. Annexins are involved in a range of processes, including membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and apoptosis. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of annexins.
Definitions
Annexins are a family of calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. They are characterized by their ability to bind to membranes in a calcium-dependent manner. Annexins are also known as lipocortins, because they were originally identified as inhibitors of phospholipase A2, an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids.
Origin
The name “annexin” comes from the Latin word “annexus,” which means “bound to.” The first annexin was discovered in the mid-1980s by a group of researchers at the University of Louvain in Belgium. Since then, many other annexins have been identified in various organisms.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, annexins are “a family of calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins that are involved in a variety of cellular processes.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines annexins as “a group of proteins that bind to membranes in a calcium-dependent manner and are involved in a range of cellular processes.”
Associations
Annexins are associated with a variety of cellular processes, including membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and apoptosis. They are also involved in the regulation of ion channels and the formation of membrane domains.
Synonyms
The synonyms of annexins include lipocortins, calcium and phospholipid-binding proteins, and chromobindins.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of annexins.
The same root words
There are no other words that share the same root as annexins.
Example Sentences
- Annexins are crucial for the proper functioning of cells.
- The binding of annexins to membranes is calcium-dependent.
- Lipocortins are a type of annexin that inhibit phospholipase A2.
- Annexins are involved in the regulation of ion channels.
- The formation of membrane domains is mediated by annexins.