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A technique used by researchers to zero in on the gene(s) responsible for a given trait or disease. A genetic map of the organism’s genome is used to make an educated guess as to the precise location of the gene of interest (e.g., near marker or , etc.). Then those guessed genes are cloned, inserted…

A change in the expression of a gene that is brought about by its translocation to a new site in the genome. For example, a previously active gene may become inactive if placed on a new site in the genome. A phenotype that varies depending on the position of a gene or group of genes,…

A hormone, produced in the pituitary gland of pigs, that increases a swine’s muscle tissue production efficiency. Injecting this hormone causes a faster growing, leaner pig.  

A complex of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule on which ribosomes (ribosomal RNA; rRNA) are anchored. A number of ribosomes bound to only a single mRNA molecule. One mRNA molecule hence functions as a template for a number of polypeptide chains at one time. A group of ribosomes on a single mRNA molecule. A structure…

A molecular chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Synonymous with protein. Via the synthesis (of this “chain”) performed by ribosomes, each polypeptide (protein) in nature is the Ultimate expression product of a gene. All of the amino acids commonly found in proteins have an asymmetric carbon atom, except the amino acid glycine. Thus,…

Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are collectively known as polymorphonuclear granulocytes. This is due to the fact that collectively their nuclei are segmented into lobes and they have granule-like inclusions within their cytoplasm.  

A name applied to a condition in which a species of plant or animal is represented by several distinct, nonintegrating forms or types unrelated to age or sex. The differences are often in coloration, though any characteristic of the organism may be involved (e.g., nuclei shape for polymorphonuclear leukocytes). State of existing or occurring in…

Developed in 1984 and 1985 by Kary B. Mullis, Randall K. Saiki, Stephen J. Scharf, Fred A. Faloona, Glenn Horn, Henry A. Erlich, and Norman Arnheim, the PCR technique is an in vitro method that greatly amplifies (makes millions of copies of) DNA sequences that otherwise could not be detected or studied. It can be…

An “energy storage” substance that is naturally produced by certain bacteria, yeasts, and plants. When removed from the bacteria and purified, this substance has physical properties quite similar to thermoplastics like polystyrene. PHB can quickly be broken down by soil microorganisms, so PHB is a biodegradable plastic. Three separate enzymes are utilized by the organism…

An “energy storage” substance that is naturally produced by certain bacteria (90 strains known). When PHA is removed from the bacteria and purified, this substance has physical properties quite similar to thermoplastics like polystyrene. PHA can quickly be broken down by soil microorganisms, so PHA is a biodegradable plastic.