Category: P

An enzyme which catalyses the synthesis of DNA using a single DNA strand as a template. The polymerase copies the template in the 5′-3’direction provided that sufficient quantities of free nucleotides, dATP and dTTP are present. An enzyme that catalyzes the assembly of nucleotides into RNA (RNA polymerase) and of deoxynucleotides into DNA (DNA polymerase).…

A condition or physical state produced by the ingestion, injection or inhalation of, or exposure to a deleterious agent. A condition in which a person is made ill or is killed by a poisonous substance. Illness produced by the introduction of a toxic substance into the body. The effect of one or more harmful substances…

The number of sets of chromosomes in a cell or an organism. For example, haploid means one set and diploid means two sets. The number of chromosome sets in a cell (e.g., haploidy, diploidy, and triploidy for one, two, and three sets, respectively, of chromosomes).  

A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes. Blood cells that function to prevent blood loss, including the clotting mechanism. Disk-shaped blood cells that stick to the (microscopically jagged) edges of wounds. The aggregation of platelets at the wound site leads to blood clotting, forming…

The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin, collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. Platelets are the small, rather uniform fragments of large bone marrow cells that aid the blood in coagulation, hemostasis, inflammation, and…

A series of progressive, overlapping events triggered by exposure of the platelets to subendothelial tissue. These events include shape change, adhesiveness, aggregation, and release reactions. When carried through to completion, these events lead to the formation of a stable hemostatic plug.  

A heterogeneous group of proteolytic enzymes that convert plasminogen to plasmin. They are concentrated in the lysosomes of most cells and in the vascular endothelium, particularly in the vessels of the microcirculation. Any of a group of substances able to convert plasminogen into plasmin. Plasminogen is a substance normally present in blood; plasmin is an…

Proteins found in plants (flowers, herbs, shrubs, trees, etc.). The concept does not include proteins found in vegetables for which vegetable proteins is available.  

Any of the hormones produced naturally in plants and active in controlling growth and other functions. There are three primary classes: auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins.  

Any normal or abnormal coloring matter in plants, animals, or micro-organisms. A colorant. A substance which gives colour to part of the body such as blood, the skin or hair. (In pharmacy) a paint. A substance that gives color to other substances; e.g., to the eyes and skin. Your natural hair color. Everybody has either…