Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The return to the natural structure of a protein or nucleic acid from a denatured (more random coil) state. For example, a protein may be denatured [lose its native (natural) structure] by exposure to surfactants such as SDS or to changes in the pH of the medium, etc. If the surfactant is slowly removed or…

The cleanup or containment (if chemicals are moving) of a hazardous waste disposal site to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory agency [e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)]. Such cleanup can sometimes be accomplished via use of microorganisms that have been adapted (naturally or via genetic engineering) to consume those chemical wastes that are present…

A DNA sequence involved in regulating the expression of a gene, e.g., a promoter or operator region (in the DNA molecule).  

Genes whose primary function is to control the state of synthesis of the products of other genes. Genes that regulate the activity of other genes through the synthesis of a repressor substance. Gene that regulates or suppresses the activity of one or more structural genes. A gene that can control some specific activity of another…

A highly specialized enzyme having a regulatory (controlling) function through its capacity to undergo a change in its catalytic activity. There exist two majoi types of regulatory enzymes: (1) covalently modulated enzymes, and (2) allosteric enzymes. Covalently modulated enzymes are enzymes that can be interconverted between active and inactive (or less active) forms by the…

Dense, insoluble (i.e., not easily dissolved) protein bodies (i.e., clumps) that are produced within the cells of certain microorganisms. The refractile bodies function as a sort of natural storage device for the microorganism). They are called refractile bodies because their greater density (than the rest of the microorganism’s body mass) causes light to be refracted…

A term used to describe the fact that some amino acids have more than one codon (that codes for production of that amino acid). There are approximately 64 possible codons available to code for 20 amino acids. Therefore, some amino acids will be specified by more than one codon. These (extra) codons are redundant.  

The gain of (negatively charged) electrons by a chemical substance. When one substance is reduced by another, the other compound is oxidized (loses electrons) and is called the reducing agent.  

The decomposition of complex compounds and cellular structures by heterotrophic organisms. In a given ecological system, this heterotrophic decomposition serves the valuable function of recycling organic materials. This occurs because the heterotrophs absorb some of the decomposition products (for nourishment) and leave the balance of the (decomposed) substances for consumption (recycling) by other organisms. For…

A swine gene that causes animals (possessing at least one negative allele of this gene) to produce meat which is more acidic than average, and thus that meat has a lower “water-holding” capacity. The RN gene was first identified in the Hampshire breed of swine in France. The Hampshire breed has been known to produce…