| oxygen dependent killing | One of the most important bactericidal mechanisms of mammalian phagocytes involves the production of various toxic oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals) through the metabolic burst. Although anaerobic killing is possible, the oxygen dependent mechanism is crucial for normal resistance to infection and a defect in this system is usually fatal within the first decade of life (chronic granulomatous disease). See: myeloperoxidase, chemiluminescence. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| lady-killing | The art or practice of captivating the hearts of women. "Better for the sake of womankind that this dangerous dog should leave off lady-killing." (Thackeray) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |