Glossary Term
A volatile liquid prepared by fermentation of certain carbohydrates. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, a diuretic, and a disinfectant. Although the exact mechanism of CNS depression is unknown, alcohol may act by inhibiting the opening of calcium channels, mediated by the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) to GABA-A receptors, or through inhibitory actions at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors. Alcohol inhibits the production of antidiuretic hormone, thereby producing diuresis that may lead to dehydration. This agent kills organisms by denaturing their proteins.
Extraction Methodology
Glossary Term
Alternate Splicing is a process in which multiple protein isoforms or products are generated from a single gene as a result of splicing together different nonconsecutive exons during the processing of initially identical nascent transcripts of a gene into mature mRNA transcripts. An exon may be connected to any one of several alternative exons to form the mRNA and generate related proteins, often in a tissue or developmental stage specific manner.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A type of protein made by B lymphocytes in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody only binds to a specific antigen, helping to destroy the antigen directly or by assisting white blood cells to destroy the antigen.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
Any substance, generally a protein, that stimulates the immune system and elicits an immune response. Recognition by the immune system elicits either a T-lymphocyte response, recognizing processed antigens, or a B-lymphocyte response, producing antibodies that bind to unprocessed antigens.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A storage facility of biospecimens that includes tissue samples, fluids, and molecular derivatives such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. The biorepository has stringent guidelines regarding the standardized collection, handling, storage, and documentation of biological specimens.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A structure found in cells that is comprised of a strand of linearized double-stranded DNA plus proteins that package the DNA in a condensed coil form and regulate chromosomal function.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A mutation occurring within the protein-coding region of a gene which results in a shift in the reading frame of the encoded protein. Frameshift mutations often result in the premature truncation of a gene product.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
Typically involves transcription of genetically encoded information into an intermediary message (messenger RNA) and subsequent translation into a functional protein.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
Major protein component of chromatin. Highly conserved basic proteins, originally classified into classes based on the relative amounts of arginine and lysine in each protein. The various classes are now termed H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. In chromatin, they are found in an octamer, containing two each of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, complexed with DNA in nucleosomes. The histones in the octamer complex are also known as the core histones. The H1 class of histones, termed the linker histones, is loosely associated with the nucleosome.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
An isomer of propyl alcohol with antibacterial properties. Although the exact mechanism of isopropanol's disinfecting action is not known, it might kill cells by denaturing cell proteins and DNA, interfering with cellular metabolism, and dissolving cell lipo-protein membranes. Isopropanol is used in soaps and lotions as an antiseptic.
Extraction Methodology
Glossary Term
A molecule of RNA 200-17000 nucleotides in length that is transcribed by non-protein coding areas of DNA. These ribonucleotides may play a role in a variety of biological processes.
Pcr Terms
Glossary Term
A class of RNA molecule containing protein-coding information in its nucleotide sequence that can be translated into the amino acid sequence of a protein.
Pcr Terms
