Biotechnology
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- BB T.I. See TRYPSIN INHIBITORS . BBB See BLOOD - BRAIN BARRIER ( BBB ). Bce4
- Beta Conformation
- Beta Oxidation See CARNITINE . Beta Sitostanol See SITOSTANOL . Beta Sitosterol See SITOSTEROL . Beta-conglycinin
- Beta-D-Glucouronidase See GUS GENE . Beta-Glucan See WATER SOLUBLE FIBER . Beta-lactam Antibiotics
- BEVs See BACULOVIRUS , BACULOVIRUS EXPRES- SION VECTORS ( BEV s ). BFGF
- Biogeochemistry
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Basophils Also called basophilic leukocytes. A type of white blood cell (leukocyte) pro- duced by stem cells within the bone marrow that synthesizes and stores histamine and also contains heparin. When two IgE mole- cules of the same antibody “dock” at adja- cent receptor sites on a basophil cell, the two IgE molecules capture an allergen between them. A chemical signal is sent to the baso- phil causing the basophil cell to release his- tamine, serotonin, bradykinin, and “slow- reacting substance.” Release of these chem- icals into the body causes the blood vessels to become more permeable, which conse- quently causes the nose to run. These chem- icals also cause smooth muscle contraction, resulting in sneezing, coughing, wheezing, etc. See also MAST CELLS , ANTIGEN , ANTIBODY , HISTAMINE , WHITE BLOOD CELLS , BASOPHILIC , LEUKOCYTES , POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKO- CYTES ( PMN ), STEM CELLS . BB T.I. See TRYPSIN INHIBITORS . BBB See BLOOD - BRAIN BARRIER ( BBB ). Bce4 The name of a promoter (region of DNA) that controls/enhances an oilseed plant’s gene(s) that code for components (e.g., fatty acids, amino acids, etc.) of that plant’s seeds. For example, the Bce4 promoter causes such genes to be expressed during one of the ear- liest stages of canola plant’s seed production. See also PROMOTER , DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID ( DNA ), GENE , POLYGENIC , PLASTID , EXPRESS , CANOLA , SOYBEAN PLANT , TRANSCRIPTION . Bcr-Abl Gene The gene (SNP) that causes the blood cancer chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) in humans that possess it. See also GENE , SINGLE - NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS ( SNP s ), CANCER , GLEEVEC ™ . BESS Method See BASE EXCISION SEQUENCE SCANNING ( BESS ). © 2002 by CRC Press LLC B BESS T-Scan Method S e e B A S E E X C I S I O N SEQUENCE SCANNING ( BESS ). Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) A statistical (data) technique employed by livestock breeders to determine the breeding (genetic trait) value of animals in a breeding program. See also GENETICS , TRAIT , PHENO- TYPE , GENOTYPE , EXPECTED PROGENY DIFFER- ENCES ( EPD ). Beta Carotene A phytochemical (vitamin pre- cursor) that is naturally produced in carrots, other orange vegetables, and in the endosperm portion of the corn (maize) ker- nel. If the corn kernel seed coat is torn (e.g., via insect chewing), the beta carotene inhib- its growth of Aspergillus flavus fungi in the endosperm region of the kernel. In 1970, an orange (-fruited) cauliflower was discovered growing in a field in Canada. It was the result of a natural mutation that caused beta caro- tene to be produced in that cauliflower plant, at a level that was several hundred times higher than normal for cauliflower. Beta car- otene has been found to aid eyesight in peo- ple who consume it, and may help prevent lung cancer and heart disease. Because beta carotene is processed into vitamin A by the human body, consumption of this phyto- chemical can help avoid human diseases (e.g., in developing countries where vitamin A is scarce) that result from vitamin A defi- ciency, e.g., coronary heart disease, certain cancers (cancer of prostate, lungs, etc.), childhood blindness, macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness in older peo- ple), and various childhood diseases which often result in death due to a weakened immune system. See also VITAMIN , GOLDEN RICE , AFLATOXIN , FUNGUS , OH 43 , PHYTOCHEMI- CALS , NUTRACEUTICALS , CAROTENOIDS , CANCER , CORONARY HEART DISEASE ( CHD ), ANTIOXI- DANTS , DESATURASE . Beta Cells Insulin-producing cells in the pan- creas. If these cells are destroyed, childhood (also known as early-onset or Type I) diabe- tes results. See also ISLETS OF LANGERHANS , INSULIN , TYPE I DIABETES . Beta Conformation An extended, zigzag arrangement of a polypeptide (molecule) chain. See also POLYPEPTIDE ( PROTEIN ). Beta Interferon One of the interferons, it is a protein that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 to be used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). See also INTERFERONS , FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRA- TION ( FDA ), PROTEIN . Beta Oxidation See CARNITINE . Beta Sitostanol See SITOSTANOL . Beta Sitosterol See SITOSTEROL . Beta-conglycinin Abbreviated β-conglycinin. One of the (structural) categories of proteins produced in seeds of legumes. In general, β-conglycinin contains one-quarter to one- third as much cysteine (cys) and methionine (met) per unit of protein as does glycinin. β-conglycinin has greater emulsifying capacity (in water) and emulsion stability than does glycinin, so its presence can assist the manufacture of firmer tofu, and better protein-based (emulsion) drinks. See also PROTEIN , CYSTEINE ( cys ), METHIONINE ( met ), GLYCININ , EMULSION . Beta-D-Glucouronidase See GUS GENE . Beta-Glucan See WATER SOLUBLE FIBER . Beta-lactam Antibiotics A category of antibi- otics (e.g., penicillin G, ampicillin, etc.) that kill targeted bacteria by altering their essen- tial cellular function of enzymatic controls that keep cell wall (peptido-glycan) synthe- sis (creation/repair) in balance with cell wall degradation. This causes cell wall breakdown and death of those bacteria (pathogens). See also ANTIBIOTIC , PENICILLIN G , BACTERIA , CELL , ENZYME , PATHOGEN , bla GENE . Beta-Secretase An enzyme that (in the human brain) is linked to presence of Alzheimer’s disease. See also ENZYME , ALZHEIMER ’ S DIS- EASE , AMYLOID β PROTEIN PRECURSOR ( A β PP ). BEVs See BACULOVIRUS , BACULOVIRUS EXPRES- SION VECTORS ( BEV s ). BFGF Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor. See also FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR ( FGF ). BGYF See BRIGHT GREENISH - YELLOW FLUORES- CENCE ( BGYF ). Bifidobacteria See BIFIDUS . Bifidus A “family” of bacteria species that live within the digestive systems of certain animals (humans, swine, etc.). Examples include Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacte- rium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifido- bacterium adolescentis, and Bifidobacterium © 2002 by CRC Press LLC B acidophilus. In general, Bifidus bacteria help to promote good health of the host animals, by several means. They produce organic acids (e.g., propi- onic, acetic, lactic), which make the host animal’s digestive system more acidic. Because most pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) grow best at a neutral pH (neither acidic nor base/caustic), the growth rates of pathogens are thereby inhibited. They “crowd out” enteric pathogens, since Bifidus bacteria grow fast in the acidic envi- ronment created by those organic acids. Some of the organic acids (e.g., propionic) produced by Bifidus bacteria are able to pass through the outer cell membrane of patho- genic bacteria and fungi; once inside those pathogens’ cells, these acids dissociate and acidify the cell interior (which disrupts pro- tein synthesis, growth, and replication of that pathogen). They produce bacteriocins, which are proteins that suppress growth of the pathogenic bacteria. They produce cer- tain short-chain fatty acids, which are absorbed by the host animal (e.g., in the colon) and thereby result in a reduction of triglycerides (fat) levels in the host animal’s bloodstream. That triglyceride reduction lowers the risk of coronary heart disease and thrombosis. See also BACTERIA , SPECIES , ACID , BASE ( GENERAL ), PATHOGEN , CELL , PLASMA MEMBRANE , MICROORGANISM , FUNGUS , PROTEIN , RIBOSOMES , GROWTH ( MICROBIAL ), FRUCTOSE OLIGOSACCHARIDES , FATTY ACID , TRIGLYCER- IDES , CORONARY HEART DISEASE ( CHD ), THROM- BOSIS , PREBIOTICS , BACTERIOCINS , INSULIN , TRANSGALACTO - OLIGOSACCHARIDES . Bile A liquid (mixture) made by the liver to help digest fats (in the intestine) and facili- tate intestinal absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Bile consists primarily of water, cholesterol, lipids (fat), “natural detergents” (i.e., salts of bile acids) that help break up fat globules in the intestines, and bilirubin. See also BILE ACIDS , BILIRUBIN , FATS , DIGESTION ( WITHIN ORGANISMS ). Bile Acids A “family” of acids derived by the human liver from cholesterol (i.e., from foods), and excreted into the bile by the liver. They help to emulsify (food-source) fats in the small intestine, as part of the crucial first step in the digestion of fats. See also CHO- LESTEROL , DIGESTION ( WITHIN ORGANISMS ), LEC- ITHIN , FATS , LIPIDS . Bilirubin A component (pigment) of red blood cells (i.e., erythrocytes), that is recovered (from old red blood cells) and recycled into making bile (a liquid that aids the digestive process) by the liver. See also ERYTHROCYTES , BILE , DIGES- TION ( WITHIN ORGANISMS ), ENDOTHELIUM . BIO See BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY ORGANIZA- TION ( BIO ). Bioassay Determination of the relative strength or bioactivity of a substance (e.g., a drug). A biological system (such as living cells, organs, tissues, or whole animals) is exposed to the substance in question and the effect on the living test system is measured. See also BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY , ASSAY , BIOCHIP . Biochemistry The study of chemical pro- cesses that comprise living things (systems); the chemistry of life and living matter. Despite the dramatic differences in the appearances of living things, the basic chem- istry of all organisms is strikingly similar. Even tiny one-celled creatures carry out essentially the same chemical reactions that each cell of a complex organism (such as man) carries out. See also MOLECULAR BIOL- OGY , MOLECULAR DIVERSITY . Biochip A term first used with regard to an electronic device that utilizes biological molecules as the “framework” for other mol- ecules acting as semiconductors and func- tioning as an integrated circuit. 1. During the 1990s, this term also became commonly used to refer to var- ious “laboratories on a chip” to: • Analyze very small samples of DNA • Assess the impact of pharmaceuticals — or pharmaceutical drug candidate molecules — on specific cells (i.e., attached to the biochip’s surface) or on specific cellular receptors (ligand-receptor response of cell) • Size and sort DNA fragments (genes) via the (proportional) fluo- rescence of dyes intercalated in the DNA molecules • Detect presence of specific DNA fragments (genes) via hybridization © 2002 by CRC Press LLC B to a probe (that was fabricated onto the chip) • Size and sort protein molecules (via various cells fabricated onto the chip) • Assess pharmaceuticals via adhe- sion molecules attached to the chip • Detect specific pathogens or cancer- ous cells in a blood sample (e.g., by applying controlled electrical fields to cause those cells to collect at elec- trodes on the chip) • Screen for compounds that act against a disease (e.g., by applying antibodies linked to fluorescent mol- ecules, then measuring electroni- cally the fluorescence triggered by antibody-binding) • Conduct gene expression analysis by measuring the fluorescence of mes- senger RNA (specific to which par- ticular gene is “turned on”) when that mRNA hybridizes with DNA (from genome) on hybridization sur- face on the chip 2. Shortly after the 1990s, several com- panies manufactured biochips capable of sequencing (determining the sequence of) DNA samples. Such bio- chips have, attached to their surfaces, all possible “DNA probes” (short sequences of DNA). The sample (i.e., the unknown DNA molecule) is passed over the probe-covered surface of the biochip, where each relevant segment (within the large unknown DNA mol- ecule) hybridizes (“pairs”) with the short “DNA probe” attached to a known location on the surface of the biochip. Because the sequence of each DNA probe — at each specified loca- tion on the biochip — is known, that i n f o r m a t i o n ( i . e . , t h e p r o b e s ’ sequences to which the unknown DNA molecule hybridized) is then used to “assemble the complete sequence” of the unknown DNA molecule. 3. Sometimes refers to an electronic device that uses biological molecules as the framework for other molecules that act as semiconductors and function as an integrated circuit. The future working parts of the science of bioelectronics, biochips may consist of two- or three- dimensional arrays of organic mole- cules used as switching or memory ele- ments. If biochip technology proves to be feasible, one application will be to shrink currently existing biosensors in size. This would enable the biosensors to be implanted in the body or in organs and tissues for the sake of monitoring and controlling certain bodily func- tions. A future possibility is to try to provide sight for the blind using light- sensitive (e.g., protein-covered elec- trode) biochips implanted in the eyes to replace a damaged retina. For example, during 2001, Alan Chow implanted such biochips into several men whose retinas had been damaged by the dis- ease retinitis pigmentosa. See also BIOELECTRONICS , BIONICS , BIOSENSORS ( ELECTRONIC ), DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID ( DNA ), RIBONUCLEIC ACID ( RNA ), GENE , RECEPTORS , HIGH - THROUGHPUT SCREENING ( HTS ), BIOINOR- GANIC , TARGET - LIGAND INTERACTION SCREENING , ANTIBODY , CHARACTERIZATION ASSAY , BIOASSAY , ASSAY , LUMINESCENT ASSAY , PROTEIN , LIGAND ( IN BIOCHEMISTRY ), MICROFLUIDICS , PROBE , PRO- TEOMICS , PROTEOME CHIP , BIORECEPTORS , HYBRIDIZATION ( MOLECULAR BIOLOGY ), FLUO- RESCENCE , ADHESION MOLECULE , GENE EXPRES- SION ANALYSIS , PATHOGEN , BIOINFORMATICS , MICROARRAY ( TESTING ), HYBRIDIZATION SUR- FACES , MESSENGER RNA ( m RNA ), GENOMICS , QUANTUM DOT , QUANTUM WIRE , NANOCOMPOS- ITES , SEQUENCING ( OF DNA MOLECULES ). Biocide Any chemical or chemical compound that is toxic to living things (systems). Lit- erally “biokiller” or killer of biological sys- tems. Includes insecticides, bactericides, fungicides, etc. Most bactericides accom- plish their task (killing bacteria) via massive lysis (disintegration) of bacteria cell walls (membranes). However, one (triclosan) kills bacteria by inhibiting enoyl-acyl protein reductase; a crucial enzyme utilized by bac- teria in their synthesis of fatty acids. See also BACTERICIDE , MICROBICIDE , LYSIS , BACTERIA , CELL , FATTY ACID , ENZYME , PROTEIN , ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS , ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS . © 2002 by CRC Press LLC B Biodegradable Describes any material that can be broken down by biological action (dissimilation, digestion, denitrification, etc.). The breakdown of material (e.g., ani- mal carcasses, dead plants, even manmade chemicals) by microorganisms (bacteria, fungus, etc.). The biodegradation process is often assisted (i.e., first step) by the actions of animals and insects (e.g., feeding on dead carcasses, which breaks down those car- casses to make their materials more available for microorganisms to “feed” upon). For example, vultures and the yellow swallow- tail butterfly often are the first to feed on the carcasses of dead alligators in the state of Florida, which helps make the alligator’s material (body tissue) more readily available to microorganisms (e.g., in the dung excreted by those “first step” carcass feeders). See also DIGESTION ( WITHIN ORGANISMS ), MICRO- ORGANISMS , BACTERIA , FUNGUS , GLYCOLYSIS , METABOLISM , NITRIFICATION . Biodesulfurization The removal of organic and inorganic sulfur (a pollution source) from coal by bacterial and soil microorgan- isms. See also BIOLEACHING , BIORECOVERY , BIOSORBENTS . Biodiversity Defined to be “the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine/aquatic and the complexes of which they are a part” by the Convention on Biological Diversity. See also CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY . Bioelectronics Also called biomolecular elec- tronics. It is the field where biotechnology is crossed with electronics. The branch of biotechnology that deals with the electroac- tive properties of biological materials, sys- tems, and processes, together with their exploitation in electronic devices. Bioelec- tronics will attempt to replace traditional semiconductor materials (e.g., silicon or gal- lium arsenide) with organic materials such as proteins (biochips). See also BIOCHIPS , BIO- SENSORS ( ELECTRONIC ), BIOINORGANIC , BIONICS , QUANTUM WIRE , SELF - ASSEMBLY ( OF A LARGE MOLECULAR STRUCTURE ). Biogenesis The theory that living organisms are produced only by other living organisms. That is, the theory of generation from preexisting life. It is the opposite of abiogenesis, or spontaneous generation. Biogeochemistry A branch of geochemistry that is concerned with biological materials and their relation to earth’s chemicals in an area. Bioinformatics This term refers to the gener- ation/creation, collection, storage (in data- b a s e s ) , a n d e ffi c i e n t u t i l i z a t i o n o f data/information from genomics (functional genomics, structural genomics, etc.), combi- natorial chemistry, high-throughput screen- ing, proteomics, and DNA sequencing research efforts in order to accomplish a (research) objective (e.g., to discover a new pharmaceutical or a new herbicide). Exam- ples of the data/information that are manipu- lated and stored include gene sequences, biological activity/function, pharmacologi- cal activity, biological structure, molecular structure, protein-protein interactions, and gene expression products/amounts/timing. See also GENOMICS , FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS , PHARMACOGENOMICS , STRUCTURAL GENOMICS , COMBINATORIAL CHEMISTRY , HIGH - THROUGHPUT SCREENING , PROTEOMICS , BIOCHIP , GENE , GENETIC MAP , GENETIC CODE , SEQUENCING ( OF DNA MOLECULES ), IN SILICO BIOLOGY , IN SILICO SCREENING , GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS , META- MODEL METHODS ( OF BIOINFORMATICS ). Bioinorganic This term refers to the combina- tion of organic (life) materials with inorganic materials to create (useful materials). For example, Abalone shellfish make their shells via a combination of protein and calcium carbonate. Researchers are working on mak- ing semiconductor devices (chips) containing peptides, etc. attached to silicon or gallium arsenide. See also PROTEIN , BIOCHIP , PEPTIDE , BIOSENSORS ( ELECTRONIC ), NANOCOMPOSITES . Bioleaching The biomediated recovery of pre- cious metals from their ores. In the recovery of gold, for example, the microorganism T. ferroxidans may be used to cause the gold to leach out of the ore so it may then be concentrated and smelted. Aluminum may be similarly bioleached from clay ores, using heterotropic bacteria and fungi. See also BIORECOVERY , BIOGEOCHEMISTRY , BACTERIA , BIOSORBENTS . © 2002 by CRC Press LLC |
