Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A term used to describe the set of technologies that are utilized to generate a large number of samples of (new) chemicals, which are then tested for potential use (e.g., for therapeutic effect, in the case of pharmaceutical). These large numbers of chemical samples, thus generated, are called a “library” and are screened (e.g., for…

A term used to describe the set of DNA technologies that are utilized to generate a large number of samples of new chemicals (metabolites) via creation of non-natural metabolic pathways. This collection of samples thus generated, is called a “library,” and the samples are then tested for potential use (e.g., for therapeutic effect, in the…

A technique using in situ hybridization to identify bacterial colonies carrying inserted DNA that is homologous with some particular sequence (probe).  

Proteins produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli), that are toxic (primarily) to other closely-related strains of bacteria. The particular E. coli that produce a given colicin are generally unaffected by the colicin that they produce.  

A process of acclimatization in which certain organisms produce specific proteins that protect them from freezing to death during the winter. Among other organisms, the common housefly, the fruit fly, and “no-see-em’s” (i.e., Culicoides variipennis) can produce these proteins (e.g., during the gradually decreasing temperatures of a typical fall season in North America). The amount…

The regeneration of spent cofactor by an auxiliary reaction such that it may be reused many times over by a cofactor requiring enzyme during a reaction.  

A water-soluble vitamin known as pantothenic acid. A coenzyme in all living cells. It is required by certain condensing enzymes and functions in acyl-group transfer and in fatty-acid metabolism. Abbreviated CoA. A complex molecule containing pantothenic acid is required for fatty acid oxidation and synthesis, and for the synthesis of cholesterol and phospholipids combines with…

An international regulatory body that is part of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it is one of the three international SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) standard-setting organizations that is recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO). It was created in 1962 by the UN’s FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO). It has…

The additional (accidental) cloning (i.e., copying) of extra molecular fragments, other than the desired one, that sometimes occurs when a scientist is attempting to clone a molecule.  

A genus of bacteria. Most are obligate anaerobes, and form endospores. A type of bacteria. One of the two genera which together form the family of the Bacillaceae. The clostridia are spore-bearing anaerobic Gram-positive bacilli, many species being saprophytes found in putrefying organic material, others pathogens causing gas gangrene, tetanus and botulism in man and…