Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins > Macromolecular Systems Terms and Definitions




Macromolecular Systems

Medical Definition: Complexes or cellular systems composed of macromolecules (proteins, DNA, RNA, polysaccharides, etc.) such as RIBONUCLEOPROTEINS, CHROMATIN, MULTIENZYME COMPLEXES and other multimeric proteins.
Guide Notes: almost never IM unless GEN only, irrespective of chemical; coord NIM with specific chem (IM); DF: MACROMOL SYSTEMS
Also Called: Multiprotein Complexes,Macromolecular Complexes
Macromolecular Systems Categories.
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Biopolymers - Polymers, such as proteins, DNA, RNA, or polysaccharides formed by any living organism.
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Kallikrein-Kinin System - A system of metabolic interactions by products produced in the distal nephron of the KIDNEY. These products include KALLIKREIN; KININS; KININASE I; KININASE II; and ENKEPHALINASE. This system participates in the control of renal functions. It interacts with the RENIN-ANGIOTENSIN-ALDOSTERONE SYSTEM to regulate BLOOD PRESSURE, generation of PROSTAGLANDINS, release of VASOPRESSINS, and WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
Canadian Medical Guide Definition MAP Kinase Signaling System - An intracellular signaling system involving the MAP kinase cascades (three-membered protein kinase cascades). Various upstream activators, which act in response to extracellular stimuli, trigger the cascades by activating the first member of a cascade, MAP KINASE KINASE KINASES; (MAPKKKs). Activated MAPKKKs phosphorylate MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE KINASES which in turn phosphorylate the MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASES; (MAPKs). The MAPKs then act on various downstream targets to affect gene expression. In mammals, there are several distinct MAP kinase pathways including the ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway, the SAPK/JNK (stress-activated protein kinase/c-jun kinase) pathway, and the p38 kinase pathway. There is some sharing of components among the pathways depending on which stimulus originates activation of the cascade.
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Molecular Motors - Protein based machines that are involved in or cause movement such as the rotary devices (flagellar motor and the F1 ATPase) or the devices whose movement is directed along cytoskeletal filaments (myosin, kinesin and dynein motor families).
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Renin-Angiotensin System - A BLOOD PRESSURE regulating system of interacting components that include RENIN; ANGIOTENSINOGEN; ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME; ANGIOTENSIN I; ANGIOTENSIN II; and angiotensinase. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming ANGIOTENSIN I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, contained in the lung, acts on angiotensin I in the plasma converting it to ANGIOTENSIN II, an extremely powerful vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the arteriolar and renal VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE, leading to retention of salt and water in the KIDNEY and increased arterial blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the release of ALDOSTERONE from the ADRENAL CORTEX, which in turn also increases salt and water retention in the kidney. Angiotensin-converting enzyme also breaks down BRADYKININ, a powerful vasodialator and component of the KALLIKREIN-KININ SYSTEM.

Macromolecular Systems Medical Definitions and Terms

CANADIAN MEDICAL GUIDE

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