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Meaning of quasisymmetry | Babel Free

Noun CEFR C1

Definitions

  1. A mapping that preserves shape but allows size to change in a well-defined manner.
    countable, uncountable
  2. A pattern in which many copies of a viral protein form a huge spherical coating, where each subunit has an almost symmetrical arrangement with its neighbors.
    countable, uncountable

Examples

“So-called “quasisymmetry” occurs if all subunits are chemically identical but have two slightly different conformations so that slightly different contacts can be made.”
“Evolution blindly explores every possibility, and as more and more structures of viral capsids have been studied, numerous exceptions to classic quasisymmetry have been found.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.

See also

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