Glossary

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  • Feedstock

    Raw material(s) used for the production of chemicals; or growth substrates of microbes (e.g., yeasts or bacteria that require a solid phase to attach themselves to).  

  • Feedback inhibition

    Inhibition of the first enzyme in a metabolic pathway by the end product of that pathway. This is a method of shutting down a metabolic pathway that is producing a product that is no longer needed.    

  • Federal insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide act (FIFRA)

    A law enacted by the United States Congress in 1972. During 1994, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed that the substances produced by plants for their defense against pests and diseases would be regulated by EPA under FIFRA.  

  • Factor VIII

    Also known as antihemophilic globulin (AHG) or antihemophilic factor VIII. A protein factor in the blood serum that is instrumental in the “cascade” of chemical reactions (involving 1 7 blood components) that leads to clot formation following a cut or other wound to tissue. Also, a deficiency of AHG is the cause of the classical…

  • Extremozymes

    Enzymes within the microorganisms (e.g., extremophilic bacteria) that populate extreme environments. Because extremozymes can catalyze reactions under high pressure, high temperatures, etc., they are increasingly being used as catalysts for industrial processes.  

  • Extremophilic bacteria

    Bacteria that live and reproduce outside (either colder or hotter) the typical temperature range of 40°F (4°C) to 140°F (60°C) that bacteria tend to be found in, on Earth. Other extremes are high pressure (e.g., at the ocean bottom), salt saturation, (e.g., the Dead Sea), pH lower than 2 (e.g., coal deposits), pH higher than…

  • Extranuclear genes

    Genes that reside within the cell, but outside the nucleus. Generally, extranuclear genes reside inside organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.  

  • Expressivity

    The intensity with which the effect of a gene is realized in the phenotype. The degree to which a particular effect is expressed by individuals. A degree of expression of a trait controlled by a gene. A particular gene may produce varying degrees of expression in different individuals. The extent to which a heritable trait…

  • Express

    To translate the cell’s genetic information stored in the DNA (gene) into a specific protein (synthesized by the cell’s ribosome system). Directly set forth in words. To squeeze liquid or air out of something, especially to squeeze out breast milk for a baby to feed on later.  

  • Expected progeny differences (EPD)

    Numerical rankings of (livestock) parental genetics, in terms of an animal’s genetic impact on progeny’s four following commercial traits: Number of progeny born alive Weight of progeny at weaning age Number of days required to reach slaughter weight, when fed adequately Carcass lean meat versus fat percentages EPDs allow a farmer to estimate differences in…

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