Dimer Definition and Examples - Biology Online Dictionary (original) (raw)

Definition
noun, plural: dimers
A chemical compound composed of two identical or similar (not necessarily identical) subunits or monomers.
verb
To come together (of two similar subunits) to form a chemical compound.
Supplement
Dimers are linked together by a chemical bond. They may be heterodimers or homodimers depending on the nature of subunits forming a compound.
Word origin: Ancient Greek dis (twice) + Ancient Greek meros (part)
Compare:

• monomer
• trimer

See also:

• dimerization

Related form(s):

• dimeric
• heterodimer
• homodimer

Mentioned in:

• D-dimer test
• Monomer

Last updated on July 21st, 2021