Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that is known for its unique ability to conform to the shape of an object when pressure is applied, and then slowly return to its original shape when the pressure is removed. This material was originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve the safety of aircraft cushions, but it has since become widely used in consumer products such as mattresses, pillows, cushions, and even footwear.
A chemotaxis assay is a laboratory technique used to study the movement of cells in response to chemical signals in their environment. This process, known as chemotaxis, is a crucial mechanism by which cells navigate toward or away from various chemical stimuli, which can include nutrients, pheromones, and toxins.
China National GeneBank (CNGB) is a major biogenetic research facility located in Shenzhen, China. It was established to support the national strategy for biological resources and to promote research in genomics, biotechnology, and biodiversity. The bank serves as a repository of genetic material, including DNA, RNA, and other biological samples, and is aimed at facilitating research in various fields such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental science.
Chlororespiration is a metabolic process observed in certain photosynthetic microorganisms, particularly in some green algae and cyanobacteria. This process involves the use of chlorophyll-containing organelles or chloroplasts to drive respiration in the absence of light. In more traditional terms, respiration generally refers to the process of converting organic compounds into energy through oxidation, typically using oxygen.
Chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) is a protein complex that plays a crucial role in DNA replication and chromatin assembly. It is primarily involved in the deposition of histones onto newly synthesized DNA during the S phase of the cell cycle. CAF-1 helps to ensure that newly replicated DNA is properly packaged into chromatin, which is essential for maintaining the structure of the genome and regulating gene expression.
A chromatosome is a structural unit of chromatin, which is the material that makes up chromosomes in eukaryotic cells. It consists of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins, specifically containing a core histone octamer made up of two copies each of histone proteins H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, along with an additional molecule of the histone H1.
Chromosome jumping is a molecular biology technique used to isolate and analyze segments of DNA from chromosomal regions that may be too large or difficult to study using traditional methods. This technique allows researchers to "jump" from one part of the chromosome to another, thereby enabling the study of genomic regions that are not physically adjacent but may be functionally related or of interest.
Chromosome territories refer to the distinct, non-overlapping spaces that individual chromosomes occupy within the nucleus of a cell. This spatial organization is part of the larger concept of chromosome organization and nuclear architecture. The idea of chromosome territories suggests that each chromosome resides in a specific region of the nucleus, which helps in maintaining functional genomic interactions and regulating gene expression.
Cis-action refers to a regulatory mechanism in genetics where a regulatory element, such as a promoter or enhancer, influences the expression of a gene located on the same DNA molecule (or the same chromosome). Essentially, cis-regulatory elements are sequences of DNA that are located adjacent to the gene they control, and they can enhance or suppress the transcription of that gene.
Class II genes typically refer to a category of genes involved in the immune system, particularly those that encode for Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules. MHC class II molecules play a crucial role in the immune response by presenting antigens to CD4+ T cells, which are key players in the adaptive immune system.
Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences (CAPS) are a molecular biology technique used for detecting polymorphisms (variations) in specific regions of DNA. This method combines PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification with restriction enzyme digestion to differentiate between alleles based on the presence or absence of specific restriction sites. Here’s how CAPS works in general: 1. **PCR Amplification**: A target DNA region is amplified using PCR with primers that flank the polymorphic site.
pH-sensitive polymers, also known as pH-responsive polymers or smart polymers, are materials that undergo a significant change in their properties in response to variations in pH. These changes can manifest in different ways, such as alterations in solubility, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, or surface charge. ### Key Characteristics: 1. **Responsive Behavior**: The primary feature of pH-sensitive polymers is their ability to respond to changes in the acidity or basicity of their environment.
Programmable matter refers to materials that can change their physical properties—such as shape, density, elasticity, or optical properties—based on user input or environmental conditions. The concept often combines principles from several fields, including materials science, robotics, computer science, and nanotechnology. The goal is to create systems that can adapt to various needs, perform different tasks, or even assemble themselves into new configurations.
A cloning vector is a small piece of DNA that is used to introduce foreign DNA into a host cell for the purpose of replication and cloning. Cloning vectors are essential tools in molecular biology and biotechnology, as they allow for the manipulation of genetic material. Here are some key features and components of cloning vectors: 1. **Origin of Replication (ori)**: This is a sequence that allows the vector to replicate independently within the host cell.
The Codon Adaptation Index (CAI) is a measure used to evaluate the relative adaptation of a gene's codon usage to that of a reference organism or a set of highly expressed genes. It provides an assessment of how well the codons used in a particular gene match the codon preferences of an organism, which can influence the efficiency of protein expression.
A **consensus site** refers to a specific region in DNA, RNA, or protein sequences that is recognized and utilized by various biological molecules, such as transcription factors, enzymes, or other proteins. These sites are characterized by the presence of similar or identical sequences that are preferred or recognized by these molecules across different species or within a particular organism.
A contig, short for "contiguous sequence," is a term commonly used in genomics and bioinformatics. It refers to a set of overlapping DNA segments that collectively represent a consensus sequence of a certain region of a genome. Contigs are formed during the process of assembling a genome from shorter DNA sequences, such as those obtained from sequencing technologies.
Copy number analysis refers to the examination of the number of copies of particular genes or genomic regions present in an individual's DNA. This type of analysis is often used in the context of genetics and genomics to identify variations in the genome that may be associated with diseases, developmental disorders, or other traits. Key points about copy number analysis include: 1. **Copy Number Variants (CNVs):** CNVs are segments of DNA that vary in copy number among individuals.
Copy Number Variation (CNV) refers to a type of genetic variation where the number of copies of a particular segment of DNA varies from one individual to another. This variation can involve deletions (loss of DNA segments), duplications (extra copies of segments), or even more complex structural changes within the genome. CNVs can range in size from a few hundred base pairs to several million base pairs and can encompass one or multiple genes.