Category: E

The loss of enzyme (catalytic) activity due to loss of the correct functional structure of the protein. Denaturation may be caused by factors such as exposure to heat and organic solvents, degradation of the enzyme molecule by proteases, oxygen, and acid or alkaline pH.  

The several dozen (approximately 60 known, as of 1 996) serotypes (strains) of E. coli bacteria that cause internal hemorrhaging in humans that ingest those bacteria. The toxin produced by these particular E. coli bacteria attacks the human kidney, which often leads to kidney failure and/or death of infected humans.  

The fermentation of (usually chopped-up) agricultural vegetation in order to preserve it. It is carried out for 1-2 weeks, using either indigenous microorganisms (e.g., Lactobacillus spp.) or introduced microorganisms (to speed up the process, yield product containing more nutrients for livestock, etc.), in the absence of oxygen (to prevent the growth of aerobic mold fungi).…

Chimeric monoclonal antibodies, produced via genetic engineering of human antibody-producing cells (clones). For example, the genes coding for antilymphoma binding sites from a rat have been inserted into human antibody-producing cells to yield rat (antigen) binding sites mounted on human antibody “stems.”  

A peptide that causes arteries to contract (which consequently causes blood pressure to increase). A 21-amino acid peptide that is a potent vasoconstrictor. It is produced by a wide variety of cell types in the gastrointestinal tract and cells in the vascular wall. A peptide released from the lining of blood vessels that causes blood…

A highly resistant, dormant inclusion body formed within certain bacteria. To kill spores, temperatures above boiling are usually needed. For this, pressure cookers and autoclaves are required. Endospores have survival value since the spore can remain for long periods of time in a nongrowing state and then, under appropriate conditions, can be induced to germinate…

A highly specialized, complex network of branching, intercommunicating tubules (surrounded by membranes) found in the cytoplasm of most animal and plant cells. The two types of ER recognized are: the rough ER and smooth ER. ER that is covered with many ribosomes is called rough and the ER without or with fewer ribosomes attached is…

A microrganism (i.e., fungus) that lives inside vascular tissues of plants. At least one company has incorporated the gene for a protein toxic to insects (taken from Bacillus thuringiensis) into an endophyte to confer insect resistance to the plant.  

A class of enzymes capable of hydrolyzing (breaking) the interior phosphodiester bonds of DNA or RNA chains. As opposed to cleavage (by exonucleases) at the terminal bonds (ends) of a chain. An enzyme the cleaves the internal bonds of DNA and RNA. An enzyme that cleaves the ends of polynucleotides.  

The lining of the uterus.