The FAD-dependent oxidoreductase family refers to a group of enzymes that utilize flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a cofactor to catalyze oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions. These enzymes are categorized within the larger class of oxidoreductases, which facilitate the transfer of electrons from one molecule (the reductant) to another (the oxidant).
FLAG-tag
The FLAG-tag is a short peptide sequence that is commonly used in molecular biology for the purification and detection of proteins. The FLAG peptide consists of eight amino acids, typically represented as DYKDDDDK. It was developed to facilitate the identification and isolation of proteins within cells and various biological systems.
Fast endophilin-mediated endocytosis (FEME) is a rapid cellular process by which cells internalize membrane proteins and lipids. This mechanism is characterized by the involvement of the protein endophilin, which plays a crucial role in the formation of endocytic vesicles. FEME is distinguished from other forms of endocytosis by its speed and specific requirements.
Ff phages
Ff phages, also known as filamentous phages, are a type of bacteriophage that infects bacteria, particularly those belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. These phages are characterized by their long, thin, filamentous structure, which contrasts with the more commonly known icosahedral or rod-shaped bacteriophages. The most well-studied members of the Ff phage family include Ff, M13, and fd.
Fibrillarin
Fibrillarin is a protein that plays a crucial role in the biogenesis of ribosomes, which are essential cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. It is primarily located in the nucleolus, a subnuclear structure where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized and processed, and where ribosome assembly occurs.
Fibrous protein
Fibrous proteins are a category of proteins characterized by their elongated, thread-like structures. They play crucial roles in providing structural support, strength, and stability to various biological systems. Unlike globular proteins, which tend to be soluble and have complex, three-dimensional shapes, fibrous proteins are usually insoluble in water and have a more straightforward, linear arrangement. Key features of fibrous proteins include: 1. **Structure**: They have repetitive amino acid sequences and typically form long, fibrous chains.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence is a process in which a substance absorbs light or other electromagnetic radiation and then re-emits light. Specifically, it refers to the emission of visible light by a substance that has absorbed ultraviolet or other high-energy radiation. The process usually occurs very quickly, typically within nanoseconds.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful cytogenetic technique used to detect and localize the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. This method combines fluorescent labeling with hybridization techniques to facilitate the visualization of genetic material within the cell. Here’s how FISH works: 1. **Sample Preparation**: Cell samples are prepared, often from tissues or blood, and fixed onto a microscope slide.
Fluorescence is a phenomenon in which a substance absorbs light or other electromagnetic radiation and then re-emits light of a longer wavelength. In the life sciences, fluorescence is a powerful and widely used tool for various applications, particularly in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and medical research. Here are some key aspects of fluorescence in the life sciences: 1. **Fluorophores**: Molecules that exhibit fluorescence are called fluorophores.
Fluorescent tag
A fluorescent tag, also known as a fluorescent probe, is a molecule that can emit light after being excited by a specific wavelength of light, typically in the ultraviolet or visible spectrum. These tags are widely used in various fields, including biology, chemistry, and materials science, primarily for imaging and detection purposes.
Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) is a technique used to analyze carbohydrates, such as oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, based on their size and charge. The method employs fluorophores, which are fluorescent dye molecules, to label carbohydrates, making them detectable during electrophoresis. In FACE, carbohydrates are typically bound to a fluorophore, enhancing their visibility when subjected to an electric field.
Foldit
Foldit is an online game and scientific research project developed by researchers at the University of Washington. It was launched in 2008 and is designed to help study protein folding, a complex biological process that is crucial for understanding many diseases and developing new medications. In the game, players are tasked with folding proteins into their optimal shapes using interactive tools. As players manipulate the protein structures, they receive feedback on their scores based on how energetically favorable the configurations are.
Fragment molecular orbital
Fragment Molecular Orbital (FMO) theory is a computational approach used in quantum chemistry to analyze and predict the electronic structure and properties of large molecular systems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces, or "fragments." This method is particularly useful for studying complex molecular assemblies, such as proteins, polymers, and crystals, where dealing with the entire system at once can be computationally prohibitive.
Functional genomics
Functional genomics is a branch of molecular biology that focuses on understanding the relationship between an organism's genome (the complete set of its genetic material) and its biological function. This field aims to elucidate how genes and their products (such as proteins) interact and contribute to cellular processes, organism development, and overall organismal phenotype.
G-less cassette
A G-less cassette refers to a type of cassette used in genetic research and biotechnology, particularly in the field of gene editing and synthetic biology. In this context, the term "G-less" indicates that the cassette does not contain the guanine (G) nucleotide in its sequence. Usually, G-less cassettes are designed to enhance the efficiency of certain processes, such as transcription and translation.
GC-content
GC-content, or guanine-cytosine content, refers to the percentage of nitrogenous bases in a DNA or RNA molecule that are either guanine (G) or cytosine (C). It is calculated using the formula: \[ \text{GC content} = \left( \frac{G + C}{A + T + G + C} \right) \times 100 \] where A is adenine, and T is thymine (in DNA).
GC box
A "GC box" can refer to a variety of things depending on the context, but it commonly relates to: 1. **Garbage Collection Box (GC Box):** In some programming and software development contexts, it could refer to a "Garbage Collection" mechanism where the box metaphorically represents a designated area for managing memory allocation and deallocation. This is used in systems where memory management is handled automatically to dispose of objects that are no longer in use.
GLAD-PCR assay
GLAD-PCR (Glycolysis-Specific Lateral Amplification Dual-PCR) is a molecular biology technique designed for the specific amplification and detection of nucleic acids, particularly in the context of certain types of diagnostics, such as those relating to infectious diseases or genetic disorders.
GUIDE-Seq
GUIDE-Seq (Genome-wide Unbiased Identification of DNGs Enabled by Sequencing) is a technique used for the detection and identification of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the genome caused by targeted genome editing methods, such as CRISPR/Cas9. The method is particularly useful for mapping the sites of DSBs generated by CRISPR, allowing researchers to evaluate the specificity and efficiency of gene editing events.
GUS reporter system
The GUS reporter system is a widely used molecular biology technique that utilizes the β-glucuronidase (GUS) enzyme as a reporter gene to study gene expression in plants and some other organisms. The GUS gene is derived from the bacterium *Escherichia coli* and encodes an enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of β-glucuronides, leading to the release of a colored product when specific substrates are used.