| equilibrium centrifugation | A type of density gradient centrifugation used to separate proteins or nucleic acids from a mixture. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| equilibrium constant | <chemistry> The ratio of the reverse and forward rate constants for a reaction of the type: A + B = AB at equilibrium the equilibrium constant (K) equals the product of the concentrations of reactants divided by the concentration of product and has dimensions of concentration. Kd = (concentration A.concentration B) / (concentration AB). The affinity constant (Ka) is the reciprocal of the equilibrium constant. Dimension: moles per litre. In general the concept of Kd is more readily understood than that of Ka, for example: in considering the conversion of A to AB by the binding of ligand B, the Kd = B when A = AB. Thus Kd is equal to the ligand concentration which produces half maximal conversion (response). (10 Jan 1998) |
| equilibrium dialysis | In immunology, a method for determination of association constants for hapten-antibody reactions in a system in which the hapten (dialyzable) and antibody (nondialyzable) solutions are separated by semipermeable membranes. Since at equilibrium the quantity of free hapten will be the same in the two compartments, quantitative determinations can be made of hapten-bound antibody, free antibody, and free hapten. (05 Mar 2000) |
| equilibrium potential | <physiology> The membrane potential at which a particular type of ion or other particle does not diffuse through the membrane in either direction. (09 Oct 1997) |
| linkage equilibrium | <genetics> Situation that should exist in a population undisturbed by selection, migration, etc., in which all possible combinations of linked genes should be present at equal frequency. The situation is no more common than are such undisturbed populations. (18 Nov 1997) |
| accelerated reaction | A response occurring in a shorter time than expected; the cutaneous manifestations occurring during the period between the second and tenth day following smallpox vaccination; because it is intermediate between a primary reaction and an immediate reaction, it is regarded as evidence of some degree of resistance. Synonym: vaccinoid reaction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acid reaction | Any test by which an acid reaction is recognised such as the change of blue litmus paper to red, an excess of hydrogen ions over hydroxide ions in aqueous solution indicated by a pH value less than 7 (at 22캜). Compare: dissociation constant of water. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acute-phase reaction | <immunology, rheumatology> Refers to the changes in synthesis of certain proteins within the serum during an inflammatory response, which provides rapid protection for the host against microorganisms via non-specific defense mechanisms. It consists of fever, an increase in inflammatory humoral factors, and an increased synthesis by hepatocytes of a number of proteins or glycoproteins usually found in the plasma; the reaction is mediated by endogenous pyrogens, the hypothalamus, adrenal hormones, and other factors. (12 Jul 2000) |
| acute situational reaction | An acute emotional reaction related to extreme environmental stress. Synonym: acute situational reaction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acute stress reaction | A sudden bout of anxiety that is often accompanied by the features of hyperventilation (tingling around mouth and in fingertips, rapid breathing, faintness or fainting). (27 Sep 1997) |
| addition reaction | <chemistry> Any reaction in which two chemicals combine to form a single chemical. (15 Jan 1998) |
| adverse drug reaction reporting systems | Systems developed for collecting reports from government agencies, manufacturers, hospitals, physicians, and other sources on adverse drug reactions. (12 Dec 1998) |
| adverse reaction | Any undesirable or unwanted consequence of a preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedure or regimen. (05 Mar 2000) |
| agar-gel reaction | <immunology> The reaction between an antibody and an antigen during an immunology lab procedure where the two are allowed to diffuse toward each other through an agar-gel medium. Lines of precipitation form in the places on the gel where the two react with each other and shows where the reaction has occurred. (09 Oct 1997) |
| alarm reaction | The various phenomena, e.g., stimulated endocrine activity, which the body exhibits as an adaptive response to injury or stress; first phase of the general adaptation syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |