Micrococcal nuclease 1970-01-01
Micrococcal nuclease, also known as MCN or MNase, is an enzyme that is classified as a type of nuclease. It is produced by the bacteria *Staphylococcus aureus*. This enzyme is primarily known for its ability to cleave the phosphodiester bonds in nucleic acids, thereby breaking down DNA and RNA into smaller fragments.
Microscale thermophoresis 1970-01-01
Microscale thermophoresis (MST) is a biophysical technique used to study molecular interactions, particularly at the level of proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules. It measures the movement of molecules in response to a temperature gradient, which is known as thermophoresis. The technique is particularly useful for analyzing binding interactions, thermodynamic properties, and conformational changes in biomolecules.
Microtubule-associated protein 1970-01-01
Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are a diverse group of proteins that interact with microtubules, which are structural components of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. Microtubules are cylindrical structures made of tubulin protein dimers and play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including maintaining cell shape, enabling intracellular transport, and facilitating cell division.
Midbody (cell biology) 1970-01-01
In cell biology, the "midbody" is a structure that forms during the later stages of cell division, specifically during cytokinesis, which is the process that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells. The midbody is formed from the remnants of the spindle apparatus and consists of a bundle of microtubules and associated proteins. It acts as a physical connection between the two daughter cells as they are separating.
Milk fat globule membrane 1970-01-01
The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex lipid bilayer that surrounds milk fat globules in dairy products. It is composed of lipids, proteins, and specific bioactive compounds, functioning as a barrier that helps protect the fat globules from coalescing and helps stabilize emulsions in milk.
Min System 1970-01-01
The term "Min System" could refer to various concepts depending on the context, as it is not a widely established term on its own. Here are a few possibilities: 1. **Minimum System in Control Theory**: In control theory, a "min system" might refer to systems characterized by simple dynamics or minimal states necessary to achieve a certain behavior or performance. This can include state-space representations that are reduced to their essential elements.
Minigene 1970-01-01
A minigene is a simplified version of a gene that includes only the essential elements required for the study of gene regulation and function. Typically, a minigene consists of the coding sequence of a gene, along with minimal necessary regulatory elements, such as promoters and splice sites, that allow for proper transcription and splicing.
Minimotif Miner 1970-01-01
Minimotif Miner is a computational tool used primarily in bioinformatics for the identification and analysis of minimotifs—short sequences within proteins that can play crucial roles, such as binding sites for ligands, post-translational modification sites, or functional domains. These minimotifs are often of a length between 3 to 10 amino acids and may be critical for understanding protein function, interactions, and regulatory mechanisms.
Missense mRNA 1970-01-01
The term "missense mRNA" generally refers to messenger RNA (mRNA) that carries a sequence with a missense mutation. A missense mutation is a specific type of genetic mutation where a single nucleotide change in the DNA sequence results in the substitution of one amino acid for another in the protein that is produced. This occurs during transcription when DNA is converted into mRNA, which is then translated into a protein.
Mitochondrial disease 1970-01-01
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of genetic disorders that occur due to dysfunction of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing structures within cells. Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell because they generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. These diseases can affect various systems in the body, particularly the muscles and nervous system, because these tissues require a lot of energy to function properly.
Mitochondrial replacement therapy 1970-01-01
Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) is a reproductive technology designed to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases from mother to child. Mitochondrial diseases are genetic disorders caused by mutations in the DNA of mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells. These diseases can lead to a wide range of health issues, including muscular weakness, neurological problems, and organ dysfunction. MRT involves a process that replaces faulty mitochondria in a woman's eggs with healthy mitochondria from a donor.
Mitochondrial unfolded protein response 1970-01-01
The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is a cellular signaling pathway that is activated in response to the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins within the mitochondria. This response is critical for maintaining mitochondrial function and overall cellular health. ### Key Features of UPRmt: 1. **Activation**: The UPRmt is triggered when mitochondrial stress occurs, which can be caused by various factors such as oxidative stress, proteotoxic stress, or damages to mitochondrial DNA.
Mitointeractome 1970-01-01
The term "mitointeractome" refers to the comprehensive network of interactions and relationships between proteins, genes, and other molecules that are specifically associated with the mitochondria, the organelles responsible for energy production and various metabolic processes in eukaryotic cells. The mitointeractome encompasses the various proteins that reside within mitochondria or interact with mitochondrial components, highlighting the complexity of mitochondrial function and its integration with cellular processes.
Mitotoxin 1970-01-01
Mitotoxin is a term that can refer to various compounds that are toxic to mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells. Mitochondrial toxins can interfere with the normal function of mitochondria, leading to impaired energy production and potentially causing cell death or dysfunction. One specific example of a mitotoxin is the class of toxins produced by certain fungi, such as the mycotoxin known as "mitomycin.
Molecular Biology of the Cell (book) 1970-01-01
"Molecular Biology of the Cell" is a widely used textbook in the field of cell biology, authored by Bruce Alberts and several co-authors, including Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Baltimore, and Martin Raff. First published in 1983, the book has gone through multiple editions and is recognized for its comprehensive coverage of cellular and molecular biology concepts. The book is structured to provide an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of cells, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms that govern cellular processes.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 1970-01-01
Molecular phylogenetics is a subfield of phylogenetics that focuses on the analysis of molecular data, primarily DNA, RNA, and protein sequences, to study the evolutionary relationships among organisms. By comparing these sequences across different species or populations, scientists can construct phylogenetic trees, which depict the evolutionary history and diversification of life forms.
Molecular breeding 1970-01-01
Molecular breeding is a set of advanced techniques used in plant and animal breeding that leverages molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnological tools to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of developing new varieties with desirable traits. It combines traditional breeding methods with molecular techniques to improve the selection process and accelerate the breeding cycle. Key components of molecular breeding include: 1. **Molecular Markers**: These are specific DNA sequences that are associated with particular traits (like disease resistance, drought tolerance, or yield).
Molecular ecology 1970-01-01
Molecular ecology is a field of study that combines the principles of ecology and molecular biology to understand the relationships between organisms and their environments at a molecular level. It typically involves the use of molecular techniques to examine genetic variation, gene flow, population structure, and evolutionary processes among populations and species. Key areas of focus in molecular ecology include: 1. **Genetic Diversity**: Assessing genetic variation within and between populations to understand how diversity influences population dynamics, survival, and adaptability.
Molecular fragmentation methods 1970-01-01
Molecular fragmentation methods refer to a set of techniques used in computational chemistry and molecular modeling to break down complex molecules into smaller, more manageable parts or fragments. This can be useful for various purposes, including understanding molecular structure, predicting properties, and simplifying calculations in simulations and analyses. Here are some key aspects and applications of molecular fragmentation methods: 1. **Simplification of Complex Systems**: Large biological molecules, such as proteins, or small organic compounds can be complex to study as a whole.
Molecular lesion 1970-01-01
A molecular lesion refers to a specific alteration or damage at the molecular level within a biological molecule, primarily DNA, RNA, or protein. These lesions can result from various factors including environmental stress, chemical exposure, radiation, and errors during genetic replication or repair processes. In DNA, molecular lesions can manifest as mutations (changes in nucleotide sequences), strand breaks, cross-links, or modifications to the bases (such as oxidative damage).