molecular mimicry

molecular mimicry,

an antigenic similarity between unrelated macromolecules, believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever and other diseases. See also mimicry.

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molecular

of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules.

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molecular activity

see enzyme activity.

molecular biology

study of the biochemical and biophysical aspects of the structure and function of genes and other subcellular entities, and of such specific proteins as hemoglobins, enzymes and hormones; it provides knowledge of cellular differentiation and metabolism and of comparative evolution.

molecular layer

layers of cells in both cerebellar and cerebral cortices.

molecular mimicry

see antigenic mimicry.

molecular weight

see molecular weight.

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molecular mimicry

Immunology A mechanism that may explain some forms of autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks self antigens that are structurally similar to nonself antigens