Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR)
A computer modeling technique that enables researchers (e.g., drug development chemists) to predict the likely activity (e.g., effect on tissue) of a new compound before that compound is actually created. QSAR is based on decades of research investigating the impact on “activity” of the chemical structures of thousands of thoroughly studied molecules.
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Q-beta replicase technique
An RNA assay (test) that “amplifies RNA probes” that a researcher is seeking. For instance, by using the Q-beta replicase technique to assay for the presence of RNA that is specific to the AIDS virus, it is possible to detect an AIDS infection in a patient’s blood sample long before that infection has progressed to…
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Q-beta replicase
A viral RNA polymerase secreted by a bacteriophage that infects Escherichia coli bacteria. Q-beta replicase can copy a naturally occurring RNA (molecule) sequence (e.g., from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or tumor cells) at a geometric (i.e., very fast) rate.
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Pyrophosphate cleavage
The enzymatic removal of two phosphate groups (designated as PP,) from ATP in one piece leaving AMP as another product. This cleavage releases more energy, which can be used in certain reactions that require more of a “push” to get them going.
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Pyrogen
A substance capable of producing pyrexia (i.e., fever). A substance which causes a fever. Substance (e.g., bacterial toxin) that raises body temperature. An agent, such as bacteria, viruses, or inflammatory disorders, that causes fever. Any substance or agent that tends to cause a rise in body temperature and produces fever. Any agent that causes fever.…
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Pyranose
The six-membered ring forms of sugars are called pyranoses. This is because they are derivatives of the heterocyclic compound pyran. A cyclic sugar or glycoside with a structure similar to a pyran.
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Pyralis
An insect that is also known as the European corn borer (os-thnia nubialis).
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Pure culture
A culture containing only one species of microorganism. An aggregation of microorganisms, all of one kind, and isolated to prevent contamination with other types of organisms. A culture of a single form of microorganism uncontaminated by other organisms.
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Psychrophile
An organism that requires 0°C (32°F) for growth. Cold-loving. Refers to organisms that grow at relatively low temperatures. A microorganism that can thrive in exceptionally cold environments, e.g., from 0° to 10°C.
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Pseudomonas fluorescens
A normally harmless soil microorganism (bacteria) that colonizes the roots of certain plants. At least one company has incorporated the gene for a protein that is toxic to insects (taken from Bacillus thuringiensis) into a. Pseudomonasfluorescens. This was done in order to confer insect resistance to the plants the roots of which the genetically engineered…
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