DNA Data Bank of Japan
The DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) is a biological database that is part of a global effort to collect and share genetic sequence data. It is one of the primary nucleotide sequence databases, alongside the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in the United States and the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) in Europe. The DDBJ specializes in the archiving and dissemination of DNA and RNA sequence data.
DNA adenine methyltransferase (Dam) identification refers to the process of detecting and analyzing the presence and activity of adenine methyltransferases in bacteria and other organisms. Dam is an enzyme that methylates the adenine base in specific DNA sequences, typically recognizing the consensus sequence GATC. This methylation plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including: 1. **Replication Control**: Methylation status can influence the timing of DNA replication.
DNA base flipping
DNA base flipping is a molecular process in which a base (one of the constituent nucleobases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine) in the DNA double helix is temporarily displaced from its complementary strand and rotated out of the helix, exposing it to the solvent. This mechanism can play a critical role in various biological processes, including DNA repair, recognition of specific sequences by proteins, and regulation of gene expression.
DNA computing
DNA computing is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes the principles of molecular biology to perform computational tasks. It involves using DNA molecules to represent and process information, leveraging the biochemical properties of DNA to perform calculations and solve problems. Here are some key aspects of DNA computing: 1. **Representation of Information**: In DNA computing, information is encoded in the sequences of nucleotides (A, T, C, G) in DNA strands. Each sequence can represent different data or variables in a computational problem.
DNA condensation
DNA condensation is the process by which DNA molecules become tightly packed and organized within cells. This is critical for several biological functions, particularly during cell division, when the long strands of DNA need to be compacted to fit within the cell nucleus and to ensure accurate segregation into daughter cells. DNA condensation involves a series of interactions between DNA and various proteins, including histones. Histones are small, positively charged proteins that help to package DNA into a compact structure known as chromatin.
DNA demethylation
DNA demethylation is the process by which methyl groups are removed from the DNA molecule, specifically from the cytosine base in the context of DNA methylation. DNA methylation typically occurs at cytosine residues in the context of CpG dinucleotides and is a key epigenetic modification that can regulate gene expression. Methylation often leads to the silencing of gene expression, while demethylation can promote activation.
DNA digital data storage
DNA digital data storage is a technology that uses the unique properties of DNA molecules to store digital information. This innovative method leverages the natural encoding of genetic material to represent binary data (0s and 1s) in a compact, durable, and highly efficient format. ### Key Concepts: 1. **Encoding Information**: In DNA, information is stored in the sequence of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA.
An Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA), also known as a gel shift assay, is a technique used to study protein-DNA or protein-RNA interactions. The primary purpose of EMSA is to assess the binding affinity of a protein to a specific nucleic acid sequence, which can provide insights into the regulation of gene expression and other biological processes.
Dragan D. Mihailovic
Dragan D. Mihailovic is a notable figure in the field of transport phenomena and materials science. He is recognized for his work on the properties and behaviors of materials under various conditions. His research often explores topics related to fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and materials processing. If you are referring to a specific work, publication, or achievement by Dragan D.
Molecular evolution
Molecular evolution is a field of biology that examines the process of evolution at a molecular level, focusing on the changes in the genetic material of organisms over time. This area of study encompasses the evolution of various molecular components, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules. Here are some key aspects of molecular evolution: 1. **Genetic Variation**: Molecular evolution investigates how mutations, genetic drift, natural selection, and other processes contribute to genetic variation within and between populations.
Molecular genetics
Molecular genetics is a branch of genetics that focuses on the molecular structure and function of genes. It combines principles from molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics to study the role of genes in heredity, variation, and the mechanisms of genetic expression and regulation. Key areas of molecular genetics include: 1. **Gene Structure and Function**: Understanding how genes are organized, including their sequence, regulation, and the production of RNA and proteins.
Molecular neuroscience
Molecular neuroscience is a branch of neuroscience that focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the functioning of the nervous system. It seeks to understand how molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, influence the development, structure, and function of neurons and their connections (synapses). This field combines principles from molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and cellular biology to explore various aspects of neuronal function.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. They are smaller than proteins, which are typically made up of hundreds or thousands of amino acids. Generally, peptides consist of between 2 to 50 amino acids, while proteins are composed of 50 or more amino acids. Peptides play a variety of roles in biological processes, including: 1. **Hormones**: Some peptides function as hormones that regulate physiological processes in the body.
Proteins
Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of chains of amino acids. They are essential macromolecules found in all living organisms and are vital for numerous biological functions. Here are some key points about proteins: 1. **Structure**: Proteins are composed of one or more long chains (polypeptides) of amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids determines a protein’s unique structure and function.
2A self-cleaving peptides
2A self-cleaving peptides refer to a specific class of peptides that facilitate the separation of proteins during the translation process in a cell. These peptides, which include the well-studied 2A peptide derived from the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), exhibit a unique ability to induce a ribosomal stalling and cleavage process, allowing for the production of multiple proteins from a single mRNA transcript.
Abortive initiation
Abortion initiation refers to the process where a pregnancy is intentionally terminated, and "abortive initiation" specifically pertains to the methods and practices used to begin this process. There are several approaches to abortion, including: 1. **Medical Abortion**: Involves the use of medications to induce an abortion. This typically includes a combination of mifepristone (which blocks the hormone progesterone) and misoprostol (which causes the uterus to contract and expel its contents).
Acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction is a biochemical technique primarily used for the isolation and purification of RNA from biological samples. This method is effective in disrupting cellular structures and denaturing proteins, which allows for the efficient extraction of nucleic acids.
Affinity electrophoresis
Affinity electrophoresis is a specialized technique used to separate and analyze biomolecules, usually proteins or nucleic acids, based on their specific interactions with other molecules. This method combines the principles of electrophoresis with affinity chromatography, relying on the specific binding characteristics between an analyte and a ligand. In affinity electrophoresis, the separation process is typically performed on a gel or in a solution where the desired ligand is immobilized.
Agarose gel electrophoresis
Agarose gel electrophoresis is a widely used laboratory technique for the separation and analysis of macromolecules, primarily nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), based on their size and charge. The method involves several key components and steps: 1. **Agarose Gel Creation**: Agarose, a polysaccharide derived from seaweed, is mixed with a buffer solution and heated to dissolve.
Franci Demšar
Franci Demšar is a Slovenian politician and member of the political party United Left (Zeleno Levo). He has served in various capacities within the Slovenian government and is known for his work in social issues and his advocacy for progressive policies.