Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Papovavirus
A class of animal viruses, e.g., SV40 and polyoma. A family of viruses which start tumours, some of which are malignant, and some of which, such as warts, are benign. One of a group of small DNA containing viruses producing tumors (usually malignant) in animals (subgroup polyoma viruses) and nonmalignant tumors in animals and man…
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Palindrome
A DNA molecule sequence that is the same when one strand of the molecule is read left to right and the other strand is read right to left. Words, phrases, or numbers that read the same forwards and backwards (e.g., “34543,” “mom,” “racecar”). In medicine, often refers to a nucleotide sequence on a DNA molecule…
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Paclitaxel
An anticancer compound that was originally isolated from the Pacific yew tree. An antineoplastic drug. Paclitaxel (Taxol) is used to treat cancer of the ovaries and breast that has spread (metastasized), as well as certain types of lung cancer and a skin cancer associated with ADDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Paclitaxel works by interfering with the…
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P-Selectin
Formerly known as GMP-140 and PADGEM, it is a selectin molecule that is synthesized by endothelial cells before (adjacent) tissues are infected. Thus “stored in advance,” the endothelial cells can present P-selectin molecules on the internal surface of the endothelium within minutes after an infection (of adjacent tissue) begins. This presentation of P-selectin molecules attracts…
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P Element
A transposon, whose genes (i.e., within this transposon) resist rearrangement during the process (i.e., transposition) of the P element being incorporated into a new location within an organism’s genome (i.e., its deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA). In addition to “carrying” genes to a new location(s) in genome, the P element itself-codes for transposase (an enzyme that…
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Oxidizing agent (oxidant)
The acceptor of electrons in an oxidation-reduction reaction. The oxidant is reduced by the end of the chemical reaction. That is, the oxidizing agent is the entity that seeks and accepts electrons. Electron acceptance is, by definition, reduction.
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Oxidation-reduction reaction
A chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred from a donor to an acceptor molecule or atom. A chemical interaction in which one substance is oxidized and loses electrons, and thus is increased in positive valence, while another substance gains an equal number of electrons by being reduced and thus is decreased in positive valence.…
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Overwinding
Positive supercoiling. Winding which applies further tension in the direction of winding of the two strands about each other in the duplex.
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Outcrossing
The transfer of a given gene or genes (e.g., one synthesized by man and inserted into a plant via genetic engineering) from a domesticated organism (e.g., crop plant) to wild type (relative of plant).
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Osteoinductive factor (OIF)
A protein that induces the growth of both cartilage-forming cells and bone-forming cells (e.g., after a bone has been broken). When applied in the presence of transforming growth factor-beta, type 2 (another protein), osteoinductive factor first causes connective tissue cells to grow together to form a matrix of cartilage (e.g., across the bone break), then…
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