Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Refers to a compound (e.g., a pharmaceutical) that consists of only one of that compound’s two possible enantiomers. Sometimes expressed in relative terms. For example, 98% enantiopure would refer to a compound that consists of 98% (of) desired enantiomer.  

From the Greek word enantios, which means “opposite.” Enantiomers are a pair of nonidentical, mirror image molecules. This means that both molecules are made up of the same atoms, that is, they have the same molecular formula, but the constituent groups that are attached to a carbon atom can be arranged in two different ways…

The study of the early stages in the development of an organism. In these stages a single highly specialized cell, the egg, is transformed into a complex many-celled organism resembling its parents. The science that is concerned with the development of the embryo. The study of the early stages of the development of an embryo.…

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (hence the acronym) which can readily measure less than a nanogram (10-9g) of a protein. This assay is more sensitive than simple immunoassay (tests) because one of the two antibodies used to bind and quantitate (measure) the protein’s antigen, based on two concurrent epitopes within the protein, is attached to an…

A technique for greatly magnifying and visualizing very small entities such as viruses and even large molecules. The technique uses beams of electrons instead of light rays. Because of the physics involved, beams of electrons permit much greater magnification than is possible with a light microscope. Electron microscopes have been used to examine the structures…

A protein, such as a flavoprotein or a cytochrome, that can gain and lose electrons reversibly and functions in the transfer of electrons from one carrier to another until the electron is taken up by a final molecule or atom such as oxygen.  

Also known as E-selectin, it is a selectin molecule that is synthesized by endothelial cells after (adjacent) tissue is infected. ELAM-1 molecules then help leukocytes to leave the bloodstream to fight the infection.  

A protein embedded in the surface of the membranes of skin cells. The receptor consisting of (1) an outside (of the cell membrane) enzyme that recognizes epidermal growth factor (EGF) and binds to it, and (2) an enzyme on the inside of the cell membrane, which is of the tyrosine kinase class. When free EGF…

Ethylenediamine tetraacetate. An organic molecule which, due to the chemical groups it contains and their juxtaposition within that molecule, is able to chelate (bind) certain other molecules such as divalent metal cations. EDTA thus inhibits some enzymes requiring such ions for activity. A transparent compound utilized to prevent blood samples from coagulating prior to conducting…

Edible substances, bearing antigens, that cause activation of an animal’s immune system via that animal’s GALT (gutassociated lymphoid tissues). These “edible vaccines” are derived from transgenic plants (e.g., grains, tubers, fruits, etc.) or eggs (i.e., via the activation of the hens’ immune system to cause them to secrete desired molecules into the eggs they lay).…