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Molecular Biology and Computational Biology Glossary
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(Continued from previous part...)
Macrorestriction map
Map depicting the order of and distance between sites at which
restriction enzymes cleave chromosomes.
Mapping
Mapping population
The group of related organisms used in constructing a genetic
map.
Marker
Masking
Also known as Filtering. The removal of repeated or low complexity
regions from a sequence in order to improve the sensitivity
of sequence similarity searches performed with that sequence.
Mass spectrometry
An instrument used to identify chemicals in a substance by
their mass and charge.
Meander
A simple topology of a beta-sheet where any two consecutive
strands are adjacent and antiparallel
Megabase (Mb)
Unit of length for DNA fragments equal to 1 million nucleotides
and roughly equal to 1 cM.
Meiosis
The process of two consecutive cell divisions in the diploid
progenitors of sex cells. Meiosis results in four rather than
two daughter cells, each with a haploid set of chromosomes.
Mendelian inheritance
One method in which genetic traits are passed from parents
to offspring. Named for Gregor Mendel, who first studied and
recognized the existence of genes and this method of inheritance.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
RNA that serves as a template for protein synthesis.
Metaphase
A stage in mitosis or meiosis during which the chromosomes
are aligned along the equatorial plane of the cell.
Microarray
Sets of miniaturized chemical reaction areas that may also
be used to test DNA fragments, antibodies, or proteins.
Microbial genetics
The study of genes and gene function in bacteria, archaea,
and other microorganisms. Often used in research in the fields
of bioremediation, alternative energy, and disease prevention.
Microinjection
A technique for introducing a solution of DNA into a cell
using a fine microcapillary pipet.
Mitochondrial DNA
The genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles
that generate energy for the cell. Not inherited in the same
fashion as nucleic DNA.
Mitosis
The process of nuclear division in cells that produces daughter
cells that are genetically identical to each other and to
the parent cell.
Model organisms
A laboratory animal or other organism useful for research.
Modeling
The use of statistical analysis, computer analysis, or model
organisms to predict outcomes of research.
Molecular biology
The study of the structure, function, and makeup of biologically
important molecules.
Molecular farming
The development of transgenic animals to produce human proteins
for medical use.
Molecular genetics
The study of macromolecules important in biological inheritance.
Molecular medicine
The treatment of injury or disease at the molecular level.
Examples include the use of DNA-based diagnostic tests or medicine
derived from DNA sequence information.
Monogenic disorder
A disorder caused by mutation of a single gene.
Monogenic inheritance
Monosomy
Possessing only one copy of a particular chromosome instead
of the normal two copies.
Morbid map
A diagram showing the chromosomal location of genes associated
with disease.
Motif
A short conserved region in a protein sequence. Motifs are
frequently highly conserved parts of domains.
Motif
Sequence motifs are short conserved regions of polypeptides.
Sets of sequence motifs need not necessarily represent homologues.
Mouse model
Multifactorial or Multigenic Disorder
Multiple Sequence Alignment
An alignment of three or more sequences with gaps inserted
in the sequences such that residues with common structural positions
and/or ancestral residues are aligned in the same column. Clustal
W is one of the most widely used multiple sequence alignment
programs
Multiplexing
A laboratory approach that performs multiple sets of reactions
in parallel (simultaneously); greatly increasing speed and throughput.
Murine
Organism in the genus Mus. A rat or mouse.
Mutagen
An agent that causes a permanent genetic change in a cell.
Does not include changes occurring during normal genetic recombination.
Mutagenicity
The capacity of a chemical or physical agent to cause permanent
genetic alterations.
Mutation
Any heritable change in DNA sequence.
(Continued on next part...)
Part:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
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