Category: E

An enzyme capable of hydrolyzing (i.e., breaking) interior bonds in the oligosaccharide molecular branches of a glycoprotein molecule. That is, the enzyme is capable of cutting a sugar-to-sugar bond anywhere within the sugar polymer molecule (depending, of course, on the specificity of the enzyme). This is in contrast to an exoglycosidase, which must cut away…

The branch of science that studies the endocrine glands, hormones, and hormone-like substances. The study of hormones secreted by the endocrine glands. The study of the endocrine system, its function and effects. The study of the endocrine glands and their secretions. Study of the structure, function, and diseases of the endocrine system. The field of…

These are the products secreted by the endocrine glands. These help control long-term bodily processes, such as growth, lactation, sex cycles, and metabolic adjustment. The endocrine system and the nervous system are interdependent and often referred to collectively as the neuroendocrine system. For example, the juvenile hormone, found in insects and annelids, affects sexual maturation.…

A chemical reaction with a positive standard free energy change (i.e., an “uphill” reaction). An (heat) energy-requiring reaction. A nonspontaneous reaction at ambient temperature.  

Refers to a compound (e.g., a pharmaceutical) that consists of only one of that compound’s two possible enantiomers. Sometimes expressed in relative terms. For example, 98% enantiopure would refer to a compound that consists of 98% (of) desired enantiomer.  

From the Greek word enantios, which means “opposite.” Enantiomers are a pair of nonidentical, mirror image molecules. This means that both molecules are made up of the same atoms, that is, they have the same molecular formula, but the constituent groups that are attached to a carbon atom can be arranged in two different ways…

The study of the early stages in the development of an organism. In these stages a single highly specialized cell, the egg, is transformed into a complex many-celled organism resembling its parents. The science that is concerned with the development of the embryo. The study of the early stages of the development of an embryo.…

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (hence the acronym) which can readily measure less than a nanogram (10-9g) of a protein. This assay is more sensitive than simple immunoassay (tests) because one of the two antibodies used to bind and quantitate (measure) the protein’s antigen, based on two concurrent epitopes within the protein, is attached to an…

A technique for greatly magnifying and visualizing very small entities such as viruses and even large molecules. The technique uses beams of electrons instead of light rays. Because of the physics involved, beams of electrons permit much greater magnification than is possible with a light microscope. Electron microscopes have been used to examine the structures…

A protein, such as a flavoprotein or a cytochrome, that can gain and lose electrons reversibly and functions in the transfer of electrons from one carrier to another until the electron is taken up by a final molecule or atom such as oxygen.