Dimer

From Greek: meros - part
German: Dimer

1 Definition

A dimer is a macromolecule that is composed of two equal components (monomers). These components can be identical (homodimer) or slightly different (heterodimer).

2 Examples for dimers

• Receptor tyrosine kinase
• Janus kinase

2.1 Sugar

• Maltose: Homodimer composed of two glucose molecules
• Sucrose: Heterodimer composed of one glucose and one fructose molecule each
• Lactose: Heterodimer composed of one glucose and one galactose molecule each