superfamily Definition
su·per·fam·ily (so̵̅o̅′pər fam′ə lē)
noun pl. -·lies
- a natural subdivision ranking above a family and below an order, usually less extensive than a suborder
- Linguis. a category of language classification that is above the family, often proposed as a grouping of families that are believed to be related because of some similar characteristics
superfamily Usage Examples
Preposition: of
- enzyme: Some members of this superfamily of detoxification enzymes are thought to protect us from PCBs and other pollutants.
- transposons: Transposons are mobile genetic elements found in animals as well as plants, and many families and superfamilies of transposons exist.
Converse of object
represent: It is proposed that each core gene might represent a unique superfamily.
Adjective modifier
- homologous: Proteins with highly similar structures and functions are classed into four main areas ( class, architecture, topology, homologous superfamily ).
- different: Comparison of the transition states for folding of two Ig-like proteins from different superfamilies.
- whole: Consequently, automatic multiple structural alignments across the whole superfamily can be become unreliable and are often subjective.
- large: Bt toxins encompass a large superfamily of Cry proteins made by different strains of B. thuringiensis.
Modifies a noun
- member: In more recent research, we have been studying molecules that are involved in extracellular regulation of TGF- b superfamily members.
- protein: The homologous superfamilies cluster proteins with highly similar structures and functions.
- level: All pairs of domain combinations at the superfamily level are listed here.
- cluster: The homologous superfamilies cluster proteins with highly similar structures and functions.
- domain: Rapid evolution of immunoglobulin superfamily C2 domains expressed in immune system cells.
Noun used with modifier
- immunoglobulin: Rapid evolution of immunoglobulin superfamily C2 domains expressed in immune system cells.
- protein: Evolution of the serum amyloid A ( SAA ) protein superfamily.
- gene: Properties of antibodies 1. Antibody structure; variable and constant domains; isotypes; immunoglobulin gene superfamily.
- domain: Domain superfamilies of metabolism, e.g. enzymes, are the most abundant category.
- all-alpha: If the template and the target belong to different families within the Membrane all-alpha superfamily, the model is judged as ' false ' .
- thioredoxin: Publications 1 Prediction of pKa and redox properties in the thioredoxin superfamily.
Browse dictionary entries near superfamily
- ‹ superette
- ‹ supererogatory
- ‹ supererogation
- ‹ supererogate
- ‹ supereminent
- ‹ superego
- ‹ SuperDOT
- ‹ superdominant
- ‹ supercritical
- ‹ supercool

