Glossary Term
Affinity
The strength of noncovalent chemical binding between two substances as measured by the dissociation constant of the complex.
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Glossary Term
The strength of noncovalent chemical binding between two substances as measured by the dissociation constant of the complex.
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.
Glossary Term
Pertaining to a portion of the whole; any one of two or more samples of something, of the same volume or weight.
Article
Research record from PLoS One, 2026-04-06. PMID 41941523.
Glossary Term
Mutually exclusive alternative forms of the same gene occupying the same locus on homologous chromosomes, differing in nucleotide sequence and governing the same biochemical and developmental process.
Tests
An AFP tumor marker test is a blood test that measures the level of AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) in a sample of your blood. AFP is a protein that the liver makes when its cells are growing and dividing to make new cells. AFP levels are normally high in a fetus, but after birth, they drop very low. Healthy children and adults who aren’t pregnant have very little AFP in their blood.
Tests
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) testing uses a sample of blood or a cheek swab to diagnose a condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency). This condition is sometimes known as "alpha-." or AATD. If you have AAT deficiency, your body doesn't make enough AAT.
Indicators
Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (201 aa, ~24 kDa) is encoded by the human ORM1 gene. This protein may play a role in immunosuppression and small molecule transport.
Indicators
Alpha-2-macroglobulin (1474 aa, ~163 kDa) is encoded by the human A2M gene. This protein has activity as a protease inhibitor.
Indicators
Alpha-fetoprotein (609 aa, ~69 kDa) is encoded by the human AFP gene. This protein plays a role in the binding to copper, nickel, bilirubin and fatty acids in the fetal circulation.
Tests
An AFP test is a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in your blood when you are pregnant. The test checks your baby's risk of having certain birth defects and genetic problems , but it does not diagnose any health conditions. The test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy .
Tests
An ALT test measures the amount of ALT in your blood. This test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease .