Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

An important type of covalent bond formed between two sulfur atoms of different cysteines in a protein. Disulfide bonds (hnkages, bridges) contribute to holding proteins together and also help provide the internal structure (conformation) of the protein. A covalent bond between two sulfur-containing amino acids, which helps maintain the shape of proteins such as insulin,…

The breakdown of food material to yield energy and building blocks for cellular synthesis.  

A phase in the life cycle of an organism in which the cells of the organism have two copies of each gene. When this state exists the organism is said to be diploid.  

The enzyme-enhanced hydrolysis (breakdown) of major nutrients (food) in the gastrointestinal system to yield their building-block components (to the organism), such as amino acids, fatty acids, or other essential nutrients.  

Four variations of a given molecule, consisting of a pair of stereoisomers about a second asymmetric carbon atom for each of the two isomers of the first asymmetric carbon atom.  

A stereoisomer that rotates the plane of plane-polarized light to the right. Dextro = right.  

A polysaccharide produced by yeasts and bacteria as an energy storage reservoir (analogous to fat in humans). Consists of glucose residues, joined almost exclusively by alpha-1,6 linkages. Occasional branches (in the molecule) are formed by alpha 1,2, alpha 1,3, or alpha 1,4 linkages. Which linkage is used depends on the species of yeast or bacteria…

A genus of bacteria that reduces sulfate to H2S (hydrogen sulfide). Energy is obtained by oxidation of H2 or organic molecules. Not a strict autotroph because CO2 cannot be used as a sole carbon source.  

An iron chelating agent, (i.e., it chemically binds to iron atoms in the blood, thus trapping the iron atoms. The molecule also acts as an hSOD mimic by capturing harmful oxygen free radicals in the blood before they damage the walls of blood vessels. Recent research indicates that desferroxamine manganese may be useful in blocking…

A mycotoxin, also known as DON.