Category: S

A technique for obtaining the desired gene that involves “chopping up” the entire genetic complement of a cell using restriction enzymes, then attaching each (resultant) DNA fragment to a vector and transferring it into a bacterium, and finally screening those (engineered) bacteria to locate the bacteria that are producing the desired product (e.g., a protein).…

An infrequent occurrence in which two adjacent bacteria stretch out portions of their (cell) membranes to touch one another, fuse; and then pass transposons, jumping genes, or plasmids to each other.  

Those chromosomes whose content is different in the two sexes of a given species. They are usually labeled X and Y (or W and Z); one sex has XX (or WW), the other sex has XY (or WZ). XX (WW) is female and XY (WZ) is male. The pair of chromosomes that determines the sex…

The average length of time that a molecule circulates in an organism’s bloodstream before it is cleared from the bloodstream.  

A variety (sub-strain) of a microorganism that is distinguished from others in (strain) via its serological effects (within immune system of the host organism it inhabits). A category of microorganisms or bacteria which have some antigens in common. A series of common antigens which exists in microorganisms and bacteria. A category into which material is…

Refers to negative results of a serology test. Referring to someone who gives a negative reaction to a serological test. A blood test done for a possible infection that shows a negative result. Producing a negative reaction to serological tests. The term “seronegative” refers to blood serum that has been tested for an infection and…

A subdiscipline of immunology, concerned with the properties and reactions of blood sera. It includes the diverse techniques used for the “test tube” measurement of antibody-antigen reactions, including blood typing (e.g., for transfusions). A study of blood serum to measure antibody titers. The study of antigen and antibody reactions in blood serum tests. The scientific…

The development of antibodies (specific to that diseasecausing microorganism) in response to vaccination or natural exposure to a disease-causing microorganism. Development of detectable specific antibodies to a disease-causing organism or vaccine. Process where exposure to a pathogen causes a change from negative to a positive finding of antibodies for that pathogen; often observed with tuberculosis.…

A (potential) site on a protein molecule’s “backbone” where a sugar molecule (or a chain of sugar molecules, i.e., an oligosaccharide) may be attached.  

The process used to obtain the sequential arrangement of amino acids in a protein molecule.