noun
- Protein subunits that assemble together to form the capsid (outer protein shell) of a virus.
Usage: technical; biology; virology; plural form of capsomer
Examples
- The capsomers of the adenovirus arrange in a precise geometric pattern.
- Researchers studied how capsomers self-assemble to form the complete viral capsid.
- The capsomers are held together by weak chemical bonds that allow the virus to uncoat.
- Different viruses have different numbers and types of capsomers in their shells.
- Understanding capsomer interactions is crucial for developing antiviral drugs.