neuraminidase

British  

/ ˌnjʊərəˈmɪnɪdeɪz /

noun

1. any of various enzymes, found esp in viruses, that catalyse the breakdown of glucosides containing neuraminic acid, an amino sugar

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Etymology

Origin of neuraminidase

C20: from neuramin ( ic acid ) (from _neuro- + _amine + _-ic ) + _-ide + _-ase

Example Sentences

When an animal is infected by two different flu viruses, the genetic material of the two can switch or recombine to form a new version — which is what probably happened here: While the haemagglutinin — the part of the virus that allows it to attach to a host — remained the same, a new neuraminidase — the part that helps release the virus from infected cells — was substituted in.

From Los Angeles Times

Flu viruses are composed of eight segments, including the haemagglutinin protein, or “H” part of the virus, and neuraminidase, or the “N” part.

From Los Angeles Times

Some researchers believe a specific neuraminidase and hemagglutinin combination is crucial to the virus’ success.

From Science Magazine

In the process it acquired a new neuraminidase, the N in H5N1 and the protein the virus uses to detach new virus particles from the cell that produced them.

From Science Magazine

The two proteins have opposing effects on the same sugar chains on the surface of human cells: Hemagglutinin attaches to these chains, helping the virus infect new cells, whereas neuraminidase cuts those chains, freeing newly formed virus from host cells.

From Science Magazine