| initial rate | The rate of a reaction, e.g., an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, at the early stages of the reaction such that the product(s) concentrations have not risen to a level to significantly affect the observable rate; typically, initial velocities are observed when less than 10% of the reaction's approach toward equilibrium has occurred. Synonym: initial rate. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| initial velocity | The rate of a reaction, e.g., an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, at the early stages of the reaction such that the product(s) concentrations have not risen to a level to significantly affect the observable rate; typically, initial velocities are observed when less than 10% of the reaction's approach toward equilibrium has occurred. Synonym: initial rate. (05 Mar 2000) |
| initiating codon | The trinucleotide AUG (or sometimes GUG) that codes for the first amino acid in protein sequences, formylmethionine; the latter is often removed post-transcriptionally. Synonym: start codon. (05 Mar 2000) |
| initiation | 1. The first stage of tumour induction by a carcinogen; subtle alteration of cells by exposure to a carcinogenic agent so that they are likely to form a tumour upon subsequent exposure to a promoting agent (promotion). 2. Starting point of replication or translation in macromolecule biosynthesis. 3. Start of chemical or enzymatic reaction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| initiation codon | The codon 5' AUG in mRNA, at which polypeptide synthesis is started. It is recognised by formylmethionyl tRNA in bacteria and by methionyl tRNA in eukaryotes. (18 Nov 1997) |
| initiation complex | Complex between mRNA, 30S ribosomal subunit and formyl methionyl tRNA that requires GTP and initiation factors to function. (18 Nov 1997) |
| initiation factor | One of several soluble proteins involved in the initiation of protein or RNA synthesis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| initiation factors | The set of catalytic proteins required, in addition to mRNA and ribosomes, for protein synthesis to begin. In bacteria three distinct proteins have been identified: if 1 (8 kD), IF 2 (75 kD) and IF 3 (30 kD). at least 6-8 proteins have been identified in eukaryotes. IFs 1 and 2 enhance the binding of initiator tRNA to the initiation complex. (18 Nov 1997) |
| initiation tRNA | TRNA in prokaryotes containing a formyl-methionyl residue that initiates translation. Synonym: formyl-methionyl-tRNA, starter tRNA. (05 Mar 2000) |
| initis | 1. Inflammation of fibrous tissue. Synonym: myositis. Origin: G. Is (in-), fibre, + -itis, inflammation (05 Mar 2000) |