Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

An enzyme-catalyzed set of cyclic reactions that results in release of thermal energy (heat) through the hydrolysis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The hydrolysis of ATP is normally coupled to other cycles and reactions in which the energy released is metabolically used. However, futile cycles would appear to waste the energy of ATP as heat—except when…

Any compound, virus, etc., that causes cells to fuse together. For example, one of the effects of the HIV (i.e., AIDS-causing) viruses is to cause the T cells of the human immune system to fuse (causing collapse of the immune system).  

A fusion protein that consists of a toxic protein (domain) plus a cell receptor binding region (protein domain). The cell receptor portion (of the total fusion toxin molecule) delivers the toxin directly to the (diseased) cell, thus sparing other healthy tissues from the effect of the toxin.  

A protein consisting of all or part of the amino acid sequences (known as the “domain”) of two or more proteins. Formed by fusing the two protein-encoding genes (which causes the ribosome to subsequently produce the fusion protein). This fusion is often done deliberately, either to put the expression of one of the (fused) genes…

A genus of fungus, also known as “scab,” that infests certain grains (e.g., wheat Triticum aestivum, com or maize Zea mays L., etc.) during growing seasons in which climate (e.g., high humidity, cool weather) and other conditions combine to enable rapid growth/proliferation of the fungus. In wheat, (fusarium head blight) fungus infestation causes the wheat…

A sugar molecule containing the five-membered furan ring.  

Study of, or discovery of, what traits/functions are conferred to an organism by given (gene) sequences. Typically, functional genomic study follows after discovery of gene sequences found via structural genomics study. Some methods utilized to determine which traits/functions result from which gene(s) are: Site-directed mutagenesis (SDM), to compare two same-species organisms possessing two different genes…

Mycotoxins that are primarily produced by the fungus Fusahum moniliforme.  

A dicarboxylic organic acid produced commercially by chemical synthesis and fermentation; the trans isomer of maleic acid; colorless crystals, melting point 87°C (191 °F); used to make resins, paints, varnishes and inks, in food, as a mordant (dye fixer/stabilizer), and as a chemical intermediate. Also known as boletic acid. One of the organic acids in…