docking site

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablebiologychemistrytechnical

   a part of a molecule where another molecule can attach

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a docking site' or 'docking sites'.

   Patterns

   • a docking site for something
   • bind to a docking site
   • the docking site of a protein

   The drug blocks the docking site on the enzyme.

   Researchers found a docking site where the virus attaches to the cell.

   Mutations can change the shape of a docking site.

2. 2nouncountable

   a place where boats or spacecraft stop and tie up

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a docking site' or 'docking sites'.

   Patterns

   • a docking site for boats
   • arrive at the docking site

   The ferry has a new docking site near the market.

   The spacecraft reached its docking site without problems.

Word forms

Common combinations

bind to a docking site

The protein binds to a docking site on the receptor.

a docking site for a molecule

This region acts as a docking site for the enzyme.

block the docking site

The antibody blocks the docking site so the virus cannot enter.

a docking site for boats

The harbor added a docking site for small boats.

Synonyms and how they differ

binding site

Used in biochemistry for the same idea; 'binding site' is more common in molecular biology, while 'docking site' is often used in structural biology.

berth

For boats, a berth is a place to tie up; it is more everyday than the technical 'docking site'.

Word family

dock verb

To bring a boat or spacecraft to a stopping place.

docking noun

The act of a boat or spacecraft stopping at a dock.

Commonly confused: docking site or docking station?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “docking site”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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