| MHC restriction | <immunology> Restriction on interaction between cells of the immune system because of the requirement to recognise foreign antigen is association with MHC antigens (major histocompatibility antigens). Thus, cytotoxic T-cells will only kill virally infected cells that have the same Class I antigens as themselves, whereas helper T-cells respond to foreign antigen associated with Class II antigens. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| host restriction-modification | A bacterial system where the bacterium is able to destroy invading DNA from a bacteriophage (virus which infects bacteria) while at the same time preventing the destruction of their own DNA. The phage DNA is cleaved by a restriction enzyme made by the bacterium, the bacterial DNA is modified (usually with methylation) so that the enzyme will not destroy it. (09 Oct 1997) |
| DNA restriction enzymes | <enzyme> Enzymes that are part of the restriction-modification systems. They catalyze the endonucleolytic cleavage of DNA sequences which lack the species-specific methylation pattern in the host cell's DNA. Cleavage yields random or specific double-stranded fragments with terminal 5'-phosphates. The function of restriction enzymes is to destroy any foreign DNA that invades the host cell. most have been studied in bacterial systems, but a few have been found in eukaryotic organisms. They are also used as tools for the systematic dissection and mapping of chromosomes, in the determination of base sequences of dnas, and have made it possible to splice and recombine genes from one organism into the genome of another. Registry number: EC 3.1.21 (12 Dec 1998) |
| DNA restriction-modification enzymes | Systems consisting of two enzymes, a modification methylase and a restriction endonuclease. They are closely related in their specificity and protect the DNA of a given bacterial species. The methylase adds methyl groups to adenine or cytosine residues in the same target sequence that constitutes the restriction enzyme binding site. The methylation renders the target site resistant to restriction, thereby protecting DNA against cleavage. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ecori restriction enzyme | <enzyme, molecular biology> A commonly-used restriction enzyme (enzyme which will cleave the phosphodiester bonds of DNA at specific nucleotide sequences) that came from the bacteria Escherichia coli and recognises the sequence GAATTC. The enzyme will make a staggered cut of the double-stranded DNA molecule by cutting between the G and A on both strands. (09 Oct 1997) |
| lactase restriction | An inherited trait in which there is low lactase activity and thus there is defective lactose intestinal metabolism. Compare: lactase persistence. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accumulation analysis | A technique in which an intermediate of a metabolic pathway accumulates due to selective inhibition of a particular step in that pathway or in a mutant that is deficient in a certain step. The intermediate is then isolated, analyzed, and identified. (05 Mar 2000) |
| activation analysis | <radiobiology> Method for identifying and measuring chemical elements in a sample of material. Sample is first made radioactive by bombardment with neutrons, charged particles, or gamma rays. Newly formed radioactive atoms in the sample then give off characteristic radiations (such as gamma rays) that tell what kinds of atoms are present, and how many. (09 Oct 1997) |
| actuarial analysis | The application of probability and statistical methods to calculate the risk of occurrence of any event, such as onset of illness, recurrent disease, hospitalization, disability, or death. It may include calculation of the anticipated money costs of such events and of the premiums necessary to provide for payment of such costs. (12 Dec 1998) |
| amino acid analysis | Determination and identification of amino acid content of a macromolecule, identification of a specific amino acid in macromolecules, often a mutated protein, identification and quantitation of amino acid content in blood plasma or urine; a key diagnostic aid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| analysis | <technique> The separation into component parts or elements, the act of determining the component parts of a substance. Origin: Gr. Lysis = dissolution (18 Nov 1997) |
| analysis of variance | A statistical technique that isolates and assesses the contributions of categorical independent variables to variation in the mean of a continuous dependent variable. (12 Dec 1998) |
| base sequence analysis | <molecular biology> A method, sometimes automated, for determining the base sequence. (09 Oct 1997) |
| bite analysis | A study of the relations of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth and their effect upon related structures. Synonym: bite analysis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| blood gas analysis | <investigation> A test which analyses arterial blood for oxygen, carbon dioxide and bicarbonate content in addition to blood pH. Used to test the effectiveness of respiration. (27 Sep 1997) |