| bacterial capsules | An envelope of loose gel surrounding a bacterial cell which is associated with the virulence of pathogenic bacteria. Some capsules have a well-defined border, whereas others form a slime layer that trails off into the medium. most capsules consist of relatively simple polysaccharides but there are some bacteria whose capsules are made of polypeptides. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| brood capsules | Small hollow projections from the lining membrane of a hydatid cyst from which the scoleces arise. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsules | Hard or soft, soluble containers of a suitable substance, for enclosing a dose of medicine, usually for oral administration. (12 Dec 1998) |
| avidin-biotin immunofluorescence | Holds promise for more sensitive and specific amplification of indirect fluorescent antibody procedures. Antibody to the patient's specific antibodies is labelled with biotin, a compound capable of specifically binding avidin in high concentrations. Fluorescent labelled avidin is then added and fluorescent microscopy is used to detect the presence of the complexes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| biotin | <biochemistry> A prosthetic group for carboxylase enzymes. Important in fatty acid biosynthesis and catabolism and has found widespread use as a covalent label for macromolecules which may then be detected by high affinity binding of labelled avidin or streptavidin. Essential growth factor for many cells. (18 Nov 1997) |
| biotin carboxylase | <enzyme> A subunit of acetyl-CoA carboxylase Registry number: EC 6.3.4.14 (26 Jun 1999) |
| biotin sulfoxide reductase | <enzyme> Biotin sulfoxide + protein(sh)2 yields biotin + protein-s2 + h20 Registry number: EC 1.- (26 Jun 1999) |
| biotin synthetase | <enzyme> Converts dethiobiotin to biotin Registry number: EC 2.8.1.- Synonym: biotin synthase, bio2 protein, bio2 gene product (26 Jun 1999) |