adhesin
noun
ad·he·sin
ad-ˈhē-zᵊn 
plural adhesins
: any of various specialized molecular components (such as proteins) on the surface of a bacterial cell that bring about adhesion by attaching to the surface of other cells or structures
At the tip of each pilus is an adhesin, a protein designed to stick to a surface molecule of the bacterium's target cells.—
John Travis, Science News, 26 Apr. 1997
John Travis, Science News, 26 Apr. 1997Cranberries have been shown to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections but not by changing acidity. They contain chemicals that block adhesins and prevent bacteria from sticking to urinary tract cells.—Gabe Mirkin, Washington Times, 28 Oct. 2001
Gabe Mirkin, Washington Times, 28 Oct. 2001Dictionary Entries Near adhesin
Cite this Entry
“Adhesin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adhesin. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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