Sulfur assimilation is the biological process through which organisms, particularly plants, fungi, and some bacteria, take up inorganic sulfate (SO₄²⁻) from their environment and convert it into organic sulfur compounds. This process is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, and various coenzymes that contain sulfur, such as cysteine and methionine, which are vital for various metabolic functions and structural roles in cells.
Superhelix refers to structures that are highly twisted forms of a double helix, often found in molecular biology and biochemistry. Specifically, in the context of DNA, a superhelix is a form of DNA that is further twisted beyond the normal helical structure, resulting in supercoiling. This supercoiling is an important aspect of DNA structure that plays a critical role in processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and packaging within the cell nucleus.
Surround optical-fiber immunoassays are a type of biosensing technology that combines optical fiber principles with immunoassay techniques to detect and quantify specific biological molecules, typically antigens or antibodies. This method leverages the inherent qualities of optical fibers, such as their ability to transmit light and detect changes in light properties, to improve sensitivity, specificity, and speed of immunoassay results.
The term "synchronous coefficient of drag alteration" does not appear to be a widely recognized or standard phrase in the fields of aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, or engineering as of my last update in October 2023. It's possible that it pertains to a specific study, specialized application, or emerging concept that has not yet gained broad acceptance or acknowledgment in the literature.
A synonymous substitution refers to a specific type of mutation in DNA or RNA where a change in the nucleotide sequence does not alter the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein. This occurs because multiple codons can code for the same amino acid due to the redundancy of the genetic code. For example, consider the amino acid leucine, which can be encoded by several codons: UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA, and CUG.
Synthetic ion channels are artificially designed or constructed channels that mimic the function of natural ion channels found in cell membranes. These synthetic constructs are created using various techniques from fields such as chemistry, biology, and materials science. They are often designed to control the flow of ions across membranes in a controlled manner, allowing researchers to study cellular processes or to develop new technologies for medical applications, drug delivery, and biosensing.
Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) is a powerful laboratory technique used to select and amplify specific nucleic acid sequences from a large pool of candidates. This method is primarily employed to identify aptamers—short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind to specific targets, including proteins, small molecules, or even cells.
Systems Biology Ontology (SBO) is a formal, structured vocabulary designed to facilitate the representation, exchange, and integration of knowledge in the field of systems biology. It provides a set of terms and definitions that describe various biological entities and concepts, such as biological processes, molecular interactions, experimental procedures, and data types, enabling researchers to annotate, share, and analyze biological information in a consistent manner.
T7 DNA helicase is an enzyme derived from the T7 bacteriophage, a virus that infects bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli. This enzyme plays a critical role in DNA replication by unwinding double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) into two single strands, which is essential for processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and recombination.
TA cloning is a molecular biology technique used to clone DNA fragments. The name "TA" refers to the base pairs that form the sticky ends on the vector (plasmid) used in the process. Here’s how it works: 1. **Preparation of the DNA Insert**: The DNA fragment that you want to clone is amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR process can be designed to add thymidine (T) residues at the 3’ ends of the PCR products.
TBST stands for Tris-Buffered Saline with Tween 20. It is a buffer solution commonly used in biological and biochemical research, particularly in the context of immunological assays and Western blotting. The components of TBST include: - **Tris (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane)**: This is a common buffer that helps maintain a stable pH, usually around pH 7.4.
TCP-seq, or T-cell receptor sequencing, is a technique used to analyze the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire within a sample, often relating to understanding immune responses in various contexts, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The TCR repertoire provides insights into the diversity and specificity of T-cell responses, as each T-cell has a unique receptor that can recognize specific antigens.
TERRA, or Telomeric Repeat-containing RNA, is a type of non-coding RNA that is primarily associated with the telomeres, which are the protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes. TERRA is synthesized from the telomeric DNA sequences in the genome and plays essential roles in maintaining telomere integrity and regulating telomere length.
TEX14, or Testis Expressed 14, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TEX14 gene. This gene belongs to a larger family of proteins that are typically expressed in the testis. Research indicates that TEX14 may play a role in spermatogenesis, which is the process of sperm cell development. One of the notable functions of TEX14 is its involvement in the formation of the intercellular bridges in germ cells during the development of sperm.
TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) is a molecular biology technique used to identify mutations within genes of interest. It combines the principles of mutation detection with a high-throughput screening process, allowing researchers to find specific point mutations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or small insertions and deletions in genomic DNA.
TOPO cloning is a molecular biology technique used to clone DNA fragments into plasmids. It utilizes a specific type of DNA ligase that facilitates the insertion of DNA fragments into plasmids with "overhangs".
TRiC, or the TCP1 Ring Complex, is a molecular chaperone complex found in eukaryotic cells that is vital for the proper folding of a subset of proteins, particularly those that are large, complex, or require assistance during the folding process. TRiC is composed of two rings, each made up of eight identical subunits, providing a barrel-like structure.
Tafazzin is a protein that is encoded by the TAZ gene in humans. It plays a critical role in the metabolism of cardiolipin, a phospholipid found predominantly in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin is essential for the integrity and function of mitochondria, including ATP production and apoptosis regulation. Mutations in the TAZ gene are linked to a variety of mitochondrial diseases, most notably Barth syndrome.
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are microscopic organisms known for their resilience to extreme environmental conditions, including high radiation, extreme temperatures, dehydration, and even the vacuum of space. This remarkable survivability is attributed to several unique proteins and biological mechanisms they possess.
Target-site overlap refers to a phenomenon in genetics and molecular biology, particularly in the context of transposable elements (or "transposons") and gene insertion events. It occurs when a transposable element inserts itself into a genomic region that either overlaps with or is in close proximity to existing genes or gene regulatory sequences.