Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Tertiary structure
The three-dimensional folding of the polypeptide (i.e., protein) molecular chains that characterizes a protein molecule in its native state.
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Termination codon (sequence)
One of three triplet sequences (U-A-G, U-A-A, or U-G-A) found in DNA molecules (genes) that cause termination of protein synthesis; they are also called nonsense codons. The sequences cause the termination of the peptide chain and its release in free form.
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Taxol
Goined during the 1960s by Monroe E. Wall when it was originally isolated from the Pacific yew tree (genus Taxus) this word is now a trademark of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Go. Taxol now refers to the anticancer preparation sold by Bristol-Myers Squibb Gompany. The active compound from Pacific yew tree is now known as paclitaxel.…
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TATA homology
An adenine-thymidine-rich (gene) sequence present 20 to 30 nucleotides “upstream” of the transcription start site on most eucaryotic protein coding genes; it is required for correct expression. Recent research indicates that blocking this portion of the (gene) sequence may inhibit ability of the AIDS virus to reproduce.
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Target
The molecule (e.g., receptor) or moiety that a given drug or therapeutic regimen (e.g., gene delivery) is “aimed” at. Any component of the human body that can be affected by a drug. A place which is to be hit by something. Within an X-ray tube, the target refers to the anode, which serves as the…
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Tachykinins
A class of neuropeptides (i.e., peptides produced by cells of the nervous system; neurons) which includes neurokinin A, neurokinin B, eledoisin, physalaemin, kassinin, substance P, and substance K. Some of these neuropeptides (e.g.. Substance P) are picked up by mast cells, lymphocytes, and/or monocytes; and cause those three types of immune system cells to release…
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T cell receptors
Antibody-like transmembrane (i.e., across the cell’s surface membrane) proteins located on the surface of T cells. These trigger the (cellular) immune response that is mounted by T cells when these receptors bind to antigens (foreign pieces of antigenic protein) which have been “presented” to these receptors by an MHC protein which itself is located on…
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T cell modulating peptide (TCMP)
A short protein chain that is thought to restrain certain types of T cells from attacking an (arthritis) afflicted patient’s tissues (mainly cartilage). Arthritis is caused by the arthritis sufferer’s own immune system attacking the body’s cartilage tissues.
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Synthesizing (of proteins)
Chemical synthesis (manufacture) of a known protein molecule. Devised by Robert Bruce Merrifield, the desired proteins are assembled by repetitive coupling of the constituent amino acids to a growing polypeptide backbone which itself is attached to a polymeric support (substrate). This procedure has been automated, so it is now possible to make proteins via automated…
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Synthesizing (of oligosaccharides)
Chemical synthesis (i.e., manufacture) of a known oligosaccharide (structure). For example, a synthesis of a defmed-sequence oligosaccharide (molecular) “branch” at a specific site on a glycoprotein in order to “cover up” an antigenic site on that glycoprotein molecule (e.g., so the glycoprotein can be used as a pharmaceutical).
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