|
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
B
Bacillus subtilis A bacterium commonly used as a host
in recombinant DNA experiments. Important because
of its ability to secrete proteins.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Naturally occurring soil
bacterium that generates a protein toxic to a variety
of lepidoptera, such as corn borers, but is harmless to
people and animals.
Bacteriophage Virus that lives in and kills bacteria. Also
called phage.
Bacterium Any of a large group of microscopic organisms
with a very simple cell structure. Some manufacture
their own food, some live as parasites on other
organisms, and some live on decaying matter.
Base A key component of DNA and RNA molecules. Four
different bases are found in DNA: adenine (A), cytosine
(C), guanine (G) and thymine (T). In RNA, uracil (U)
substitutes for thymine. Also known as nitrogenous
bases. A base, a phosphate molecule and a sugar joined
together constitute a nucleotide.
Base pair Two nucleotide bases on different strands of the
nucleic acid molecule that bond together. The bases
can pair in only one way: adenine with thymine (DNA),
or uracil (RNA) and guanine with cytosine.
Bioassay Determination of the effectiveness of a
compound by measuring its effect on animals,
tissues or organisms in comparison with a standard
preparation.
Bioaugmentation Increasing the activity of bacteria that
break down pollutants by adding more of their kind. A
technique used in bioremediation.
Biocatalyst In bioprocessing, an enzyme that activates or
speeds up a biochemical reaction.
Biochemical The product of a chemical reaction in a
living organism.
Biochip An electronic device that uses organic molecules
to form a semiconductor.
Bioconversion Chemical restructuring of raw materials
by using a biocatalyst.
Biodegradable Capable of being reduced to water and
carbon dioxide by the action of microorganisms.
Bioenrichment A bioremediation strategy that involves
adding nutrients or oxygen, thereby bolstering the
activity of microbes as they break down pollutants.
Bioinformatics The science of informatics as applied to
biological research. Informatics is the management
and analysis of data using advanced computing
techniques. Bioinformatics is particularly important as
an adjunct to genomics research, because of the large
amount of complex data this research generates.
Biolistic device A device that shoots microscopic DNA coated
particles into target cells.
Biological oxygen demand (BOD) The amount of oxygen
used for growth by organisms in water that contains
organic matter.
Biologic A therapeutic or prophylactic derived from
a living source (human, animal or unicellular).
Most biologics are complex mixtures that are not
easily identified or characterized, and many are
manufactured using biotechnology. Biological
products often represent the cutting-edge of
biomedical research and are sometimes the most
effective way to prevent or treat a disease.
Biologic response modifier A substance that alters the
growth or functioning of a cell. Includes hormones and
compounds that affect the nervous and immune systems.
Biomass The totality of biological matter in a given area.
As commonly used in biotechnology, refers to the use
of cellulose, a renewable resource, for the production
of chemicals that can be used to generate energy or
as alternative feedstocks for the chemical industry to
reduce dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels.
Biomaterials Biological molecules, such as proteins
and complex sugars, used to make medical devices,
including structural elements used in reconstructive
surgery.
Bioprocess A process in which living cells, or components
thereof, are used to produce a desired product.
Bioreactor Vessel used for bioprocessing.
Bioremediation The use of microorganisms to remedy
environmental problems, rendering hazardous wastes
nonhazardous.
Biosynthesis Production of a chemical by a living
organism.
Biotechnology The use of biological processes to solve
problems or make useful products.
Biotransformation The use of enzymes in chemical
synthesis to produce chemical compounds of a desired
stereochemistry.
Blastocyst (Blastula) The 4- to 5-day-old ball of
undifferentiated cells from which a prospective
embryo develops. In mammals it consists of two
distinct parts: the inner cell mass and the trophoblast.
B lymphocytes (B-cells) A class of lymphocytes, released
from the bone marrow, that produce antibodies.
Bovine somatotropin (BST) A hormone secreted by
the bovine pituitary gland. It is used to increase milk
production by improving the feed efficiency in dairy
cattle milk. Also called bovine growth hormone.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer genes 1 and 2)
Two genes that normally help to restrain cell growth,
but which can contain certain genetic mutations
associated with the development of breast and ovarian
cancer. Note, however, that inherited BRCA1 and
BRCA2 mutations are thought to account for less than
10 percent of all breast and ovarian cancers. Recent
evidence suggests that somatic cell genetic mutations
(i.e., noninherited genetic mutations) in these two
genes may also play a role in the development of cancer.
| 
Printer Friendly