Category: C

The dissolution of cells, particularly by destruction of their surface membranes. The breaking down of cells especially by the destruction of the cell’s outer membrane. The breakdown of cells, particularly by destruction of their outer membranes.  

An enzyme that, in humans, catalyzes reactions involved in the metabolism (breakdown) of certain pharmaceuticals. Those pharmaceuticals include some sedatives, antihypertensives, the antihistamine terfenadine, and the immunosuppressant cyclosporin.  

A protein that regulates proper chloride ion transport across the cell membranes of human lung airway epithelial cells. When the gene that codes for CFTR protein is damaged or mutated, the (mutant) CFTR protein fails to function properly, which causes mucous (and bacteria) to accumulate in the lungs. This lung disease is known as Cystic…

An immune-system-supressing drug that was isolated from a mold in the mid-1970s by the Swiss firm F. Hoffmann-LaRoche & Co. AG. The drug is used to prevent (organ recipient’s) immune system from “rejecting” a transplanted organ and typically must be taken by the organ recipient for the duration of his/her lifetime. Cyclosporin’s mechanism of action…

Also called actidione. A chemical that inhibits protein synthesis by the SOS eucaryotic ribosomes; it does not, however, inhibit the 70S ribosomes of procaryotes. The chemical blocks peptide bond formation by binding to the large ribosomal subunits. A cytotoxic protein that inhibits the synthesis of proteins by cells.  

A macrocyclic (doughnut-shaped) carbohydrate ring produced enzymatically from starch. The external surface is hydrophobic while the interior is hydrophilic in nature. The hole of the doughnut is large enough to accommodate guest molecules. Uses include solubilization, separation, and stabilization of molecules in the interior cavity of or in association with the cyclodextrin molecules. A molecule…

A molecule of AMP (adenosine monophosphate) in which the phosphate group is joined to both the 3 ‘ and the 5’ positions of the ribose, forming a cyclic (ring) strucUire. When cAMP binds to CAP, the complex is a positive regulator of procaryotic transcription. A second messenger for catabolic hormone effects. The hormone binds to…

Any nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of bacteria or other cells. It usually consists of a complex mixture of organic and inorganic materials. For example, the classic culture (growth) medium used for bacteria consists of nutrients (required by that bacteria) plus agar to solidify or semi-solidify the nutrient containing mass. A substance in which…

One of the “cry” proteins, it is a protoxin that—when eaten by European com borer, southwestern comborer, black cutworm, and some species of armyworm—is toxic to those insects. However, if eaten by a mammal, the cry9C is nontoxic.  

A class of proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) bacteria (or plants into which a B.t. gene has been inserted). Cry proteins are toxic to certain categories of insects (com borers, mosquitoes, black flies, some types of beetles, etc.), but harmless to mammals and beneficial insects.