Category: A

One of the final steps in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) review process for new pharmaceuticals. The letter precedes final FDA clearance for marketing of the new compound.  

A method ofreproduction used by scientists to propagate (hybrid) plants without having to utilize sexual fertilization. By combining apomixis with tissue culture technology, cai Detian, Ma Piugfij, and Yao Jialin were able to thus propagate rice varieties in 1994. By “fixing” hybrid dominance, the need for (sexual) breeding is eliminated and the hybrid vigor is…

An autoimmune disease of the bone marrow. A form of anemia in which the bone marrow fails to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells. There are various types of anemias that differ in severity and etiology (e.g., aplastic, sickle cell, and Fanconi).  In general, aplastic anemia is the failure of bone marrow to reproduce…

Synthetic polymers (i.e., plastics) used to make medical devices that will be in contact with a patient’s blood (e.g., catheters) and thus must not initiate the coagulation process as synthetic polymers usually do. The natural anticoagulant heparin is incorporated into the polymer, and is gradually released into the bloodstream by the polymer, thus preventing blood…

Describes molecules that are parallel but point in opposite directions. The strands of the DNA double helix are antiparallel.  

Also known as Factor VIII or Antihemophilic Factor VIII.  

Also known as Factor VIII or Antihemophilic Globulin (AHG).  

A specific sequence of three nucleotides in a transfer RNA (tRNA), complementary to a codon (also three nucleotides) for an amino acid in a messenger RNA. A sequence of three bases in the transfer RNA that is complimentary to that in the messenger RNA. A triplet sequence of (three adjacent) ribonucleic acids (RNA) in transfer…

A type of chromatography in which antibodies are immobihzed onto the column material. The antibodies bind to their target molecules while the other components in the solution are not retained. In this way a separation (purification) is achieved.  

Refers to the processes via which one organism produces a substance that is toxic or repellent to another organism (e.g., a parasite) that is attacking the first organism. For example, certain varieties of com/maize {Zea mays Z.) produce chemical substances in their roots that are toxic to the com rootworm. An association or relationship between…