Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The first in a series of human tests of new pharmaceuticals mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The primary purpose of the Phase I clinical test is to detect if the new pharmaceutical is toxic or otherwise harmful to normal, healthy humans. The conclusion of Phase I testing leads to Phase II and…

The portion of a molecule (e.g., a pharmaceutical) that is responsible for its biological activity (i.e., therapeutic action on recipient’s tissue, etc.). The three-dimensional shape of a molecule that makes it fit and activate cellular receptors.  

Another name for virus. A virus that attacks bacteria is known as a bacteriophage. Bacteriophages are frequently used as vectors for carrying (foreign) DNA into cells by genetic engineers.  

A single-celled microscopic algae which has a predator/prey relationship with fish in its ecosystem. During a large portion of its life cycle, Pfiesteria piscicida exists in a nontoxic cyst form at the bottom of a river. When those (cysts) detect certain substances (e.g., excreta) emitted by live fish, the Pfiesteria piscicida transform into an amoeboid…

The tendency of a compound (e.g., an insecticide) to resist degradation by biological means (e.g.. metabolism by microorganisms) after that compound has been introduced into the environment (e.g., sprayed onto a field) or by physical means (e.g., degradation caused by exposure to sunlight, moisture, etc.). The duration that a virus persists in a vector following…

The smooth, transparent, serous membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen of a mammal.  

The number of base pairs per turn of the DNA double helix. The timing of recurrent attacks of a disease. State of being recurrent at regular or irregular intervals; certain disease symptoms, such as wheezing, occur periodically without a pattern. Other events, such as a woman’s menstrual cycle, are recurrent (periodic) and, normally, relatively regular.…

A 70 Kd (kilodalton) protein that is instrumental in the lysis of infected cells. A series of reactions occurs on the surface of a cell which results in the polymerization of certain monomers to form trans-membrane (i.e., through the membrane) pores 100 A (Angstroms) wide, which allows ions to rush into the cell (due to…

A protein that has been partially hydrolyzed (i.e., cleaved) by the peptidase pepsin. A substance produced by the action of pepsins on proteins in food. A secondary protein derivative formed during protein digestion in the stomach. Soluble product of the proteolytic digestion of meat by enzymes such as papain, trypsin etc. Containing polypeptides, amino acids,…

The characteristic pattern of peptides resulting from partial hydrolysis (cleavage, digestion) of a protein. The pattern is obtained by separating the peptides by two-dimensional chromatography in which the peptides are first subjected to chromatography using one solution which separates many but not all peptides. The chromatogram is then turned 90 degrees and is again chromatographed…