Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The region of an enzyme surface that binds the substrate molecule and transforms the substrate molecule into the new (chemical) product (entity). This site is usually located not on a protruding portion of the enzyme, but rather in a cleft or depression. This establishes a controlled environment in which the reaction may occur. A three-dimensional…

A small molecule that stimulates (increases) an enzyme’s catalytic activity when it binds to an allosteric site. In chemistry, any substance, usually a particular metal on that is very low concentration significantly accelerates the speed of a chemical reaction. A substance in the body that converts an inactive molecule into an active agent, such as…

The amount of energy (calories) required to bring all the molecules in one mole of a reacting substance to the transition state. More simply, it may also be viewed as the energy required to bring reacting molecules to a certain energy state from which point the reaction proceeds spontaneously.  

A disease in which a specific virus attacks and kills macrophages and helper T cells (thus causing collapse of the entire immune system). Once the immune system has been inactivated, other diseases, which under normal circumstances can be fought off, become fatal. Caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), AIDS leads to potentially fatal depression of…

It binds acyl intermediates during the formation of long-chain fatty acids. ACP is important in that it is involved in every step of fatty acid synthesis. A protein that has pantothenic acid as its prosthetic group. It is active in fatty acid synthesis as it carries the acyl groups that are bound to the CoA…

The addition of germ-plasm deposits to existing germ-plasm storage bands.  

The junction between the right 3′ end of an intron and the left 5′ end of an exon.  

The regulation of the rate of respiration by the availability of ADP as phosphate acceptor.  

One of the most critical enzymes in the metabolic pathway that creates the hormone ethylene inside fruit. Because ethylene causes certain fruit (e.g., tomatoes) to ripen (soften), it is possible to significantly delay the softening (i.e., spoilage) process by controlling creation of ACC synthase via manipulation of the ACC synthase gene.  

Catalytic antibodies that are synthetic constructs. They either stabilize the transition state of a chemical reaction or bind to a specific substrate, thereby increasing the reaction rate of that chemical reaction. A monoclonal antibody that acts as a catalyst. Also known as a catmab (catalytic monoclonal antibody).