The fusion mechanism is the mechanism by which cell fusion takes place. Cell fusion is the formation of a hybrid cell from two different cells of different species. Cells from the same organism may fuse together as well. This is often observed during lytic viral infection, where alterations of the cell can be seen under a light microscope. These include changes in morphology, formation of vacuoles and fusion of cells to form syncytia.
The term cell fusion mechanism refers to the receptors required for cells to fuse, whereas the term cell fusion refers to the action of formation of the new cell.
One example of the cellular fusion mechanism is that of HIV infecting the body. HIV infects by fusing with the membranes of immune system cells. In order for HIV to fuse with a cell, it must be able to bind to the receptors CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4.
Famous quotes containing the words fusion and/or mechanism:
“Sadism and masochism, in Freud’s final formulation, are fusions of Eros and the destructive instincts. Sadism represents a fusion of the erotic instincts and the destructive instincts directed outwards, in which the destructiveness has the character of aggressiveness. Masochism represents the fusion of the erotic instincts and the destructive instincts turned against oneself, the aim of the latter being self-destruction.”
—Patrick Mullahy (b. 1912)
“When one of us dies of cancer, loses her mind, or commits suicide, we must not blame her for her inability to survive an ongoing political mechanism bent on the destruction of that human being. Sanity remains defined simply by the ability to cope with insane conditions.”
—Ana Castillo (b. 1953)