#molecule (physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
supertype: building_block__unit a single undivided natural entity occurring in the composition of something else; "units of nucleic acids"
part: chemical_chain atom chemical_group
subtype: dipole_molecule a molecule that is a permanent dipole
subtype: protein_molecule__proteinmolecule any large molecule containing chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
subtype: gene a self-replicating protein molecule that occupies a fixed place on a chromosome; a unit of heredity
subtype: dominant_gene gene that produces the same phenotype in the organism whether or not its allele identical; "the dominant gene for brown eyes"
subtype: allele__allelomorph one of two alternative forms of a genes that can have the same locus on homologous chromosomes and are responsible for alternative traits
subtype: genetic_marker__geneticmarker a specific gene that produces a recognizable trait and can be used in family or population studies
subtype: lethal_gene any gene that has an effect that causes the death of the organism at any stage of life
subtype: linkage_group__linkagegroup__linked_genes any pair of genes that tend to be transmitted together; "the genes of Drosophila fall into four linkage groups"
subtype: modifier_gene__modifier a gene that modifies the effect produced by another gene
subtype: mutant_gene a gene that has changed so that the normal transmission and expression of a trait is affected
subtype: nonallele genes that are not competitors at the same locus
subtype: operator_gene a gene that activates the production of messenger RNA by adjacent structural genes
subtype: oncogene__transforming_gene a gene that causes normal cells to change into cancerous tumor cells
subtype: recessive_gene__recessivegene gene that produces its characteristic phenotype only when its allele is identical; "the recessive gene for blue eyes"
subtype: proto-oncogene__protooncogene a normal gene that has the potential to become an oncogene
subtype: regulatory_gene__regulator_gene__regulatorgene a gene that produces a repressor substance that inhibits an operator gene
subtype: repressor_gene__repressorgene gene that prevents a nonallele from being transcribed
subtype: structural_gene a gene that controls the production of a specific protein or peptide
subtype: suppressor_gene__suppressor__suppresser__suppresser_gene a gene that suppresses the phenotypic expression of another gene (especially of a mutant gene)
subtype: X-linked_gene a gene located on an X chromosome
subtype: Y-linked_gene__holandric_gene__holandricgene a gene located on a Y chromosome
subtype: genome one haploid set of chromosomes with the genes they contain; the full DNA sequence of an organism
subtype: coenzyme a small molecule (not a protein but sometimes a vitamin) essential for the activity of some enzymes
subtype: cocarboxylase__thiaminepyrophosphate a coenzyme important in respiration in the Krebs cycle
subtype: coenzyme_A a coenzyme present in all living cells; essential to metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and some amino acids
subtype: nicotinamide_adenine_dinucleotide__NAD a coenzyme derived from the B vitamin nicotinic acid
subtype: triphosphopyridine_nucleotide a coenzyme of several enzymes
subtype: ubiquinone__coenzyme_Q any of several quinones that function as electron-carrying coenzymes
subtype: macromolecule__supermolecule any very large molecule (a molecule of a protein or a polymer)
subtype: protein any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of long chains of polypeptides
subtype: capsid the outer covering of protein surrounding the nucleic acid of a virus
subtype: gluten a protein substance that remains when starch is removed from cereal grains; gives cohesiveness to dough
subtype: corn_gluten gluten prepared from corn
subtype: wheat_gluten__wheatgluten gluten prepared from wheat
subtype: actomyosin a protein complex in muscle fibers; composed of myosin and actin; shortens when stimulated and causes muscle contractions
subtype: aleurone granular protein in outermost layer of endosperm of many seeds or cereal grains
subtype: amyloid (pathology) a waxy translucent complex protein resembling starch that results from degeneration of tissue
subtype: apoenzyme a protein that combines with a coenzyme to form an active enzyme
subtype: conjugated_protein__compound_protein a protein complex combining amino acids with other substances
subtype: glycoprotein a conjugated protein having a carbohydrate component
subtype: mucin a nitrogenous substance found in mucous secretions; a lubricant that protects body surfaces
subtype: lectin any of several plant glycoproteins that act like specific antibodies but are not antibodies in that they are not evoked by an antigenic stimulus
subtype: mucoid any of several glycoproteins similar to mucin
subtype: transferrin__betaglobulin__siderophilin glycoprotein that carries iron in the blood
subtype: hemoprotein__haemoprotein a conjugated protein linked to an iron-porphyrin compound
subtype: hemoglobin__haemoglobin__Hb a hemoprotein composed of globin and heme that gives red blood cells their characteristic color; function primarily to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues; "fish have simpler hemoglobin than mammals"
subtype: oxyhemoglobin__oxyhaemoglobin the bright red hemoglobin that is a combination of hemoglobin and oxygen from the lungs; "oxyhemoglobin transports oxygen to the cells of the body"
subtype: myoglobin a hemoprotein that receives oxygen from hemoglobin and stores it in the tissues until needed
subtype: cytochrome a class of hemoprotein whose principle biological function is as carriers of electrons
subtype: cytochrome_c the most abundant and stable cytochrome; involved in energy transfer
subtype: lipoprotein a conjugated protein having a lipid component; the principal means for transporting lipids in the blood
subtype: high-density_lipoprotein__HDL__alpha-lipoportein a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood; composed of a high proportion of protein and relatively little cholesterol; high levels are thought to be associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis
subtype: low-density_lipoprotein__lowdensitylipoprotein__LDL__ldl__beta-lipoprotein a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood; composed of moderate amount of protein and a large amount of cholesterol; high levels are thought to be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis
subtype: very_low_density_lipoprotein__VLDL large lipoproteins rich in triglycerides; VLDLs circulate through the blood giving up their triglycerides to fat and muscle tissue until the VLDL remnants are modified and converted into LDL
subtype: enzyme any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions
subtype: amylase any of a group of proteins found in saliva and pancreatic juice and parts of plants; help convert starch to sugar
subtype: ptyalin an amylase secreted in saliva
subtype: cholinesterase an enzyme that hydrolyses acetylcholine (into choline and acetic acid)
subtype: coagulase an enzyme that induces coagulation
subtype: thrombin an enzyme that acts on fibrinogen in blood causing it to clot
subtype: rennin__chymosin an enzyme that occurs in gastric juice; causes milk to coagulate
subtype: complement.enzyme one of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response
subtype: catalase enzyme found in most plant and animal cells that functions as an oxidative catalyst; decomposes hydrogen peroxide into hydrogen and water
subtype: cyclooxygenase__Cox either of two related enzymes that control the production of prostaglandins and are blocked by aspirin
subtype: cyclooxygenase-1__Cox-1 an enzyme that regulates prostaglandins that are important for the health of the stomach lining and kidneys; "an unfortunate side effect of Nsaids is that they block Cox-1"
subtype: cyclooxygenase-2__Cox-2 an enzyme that makes prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain and fever; "the beneficial effects of Nsaids result from their ability to block Cox-2"
subtype: decarboxylase any of the enzymes that that hydrolize the carboxyl group
subtype: de-iodinase an enzyme that removes the iodine radical
subtype: enterokinase enzyme in the intestinal juice that converts inactive trypsinogen into active trypsin
subtype: histaminase enzyme that acts as a catalyst in converting histidine to histamine
subtype: hyaluronidase__spreading_factor__spreadingfactor__hyazyme an enzyme (trade name Hyazyme) that splits hyaluronic acid and so lowers its viscosity and increases the permeability of connective tissue and the absorption of fluids
subtype: isomerase an enzyme that catalyzes its substrate to an isomeric form
subtype: kinase an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of a proenzyme to an active enzyme
subtype: lactase__lactaid any of a group of enzymes (trade name Lactaid) that hydrolyze lactose to glucose and galactose
subtype: lipase an enzyme secreted in the digestive tract that catalyzes the breakdown of fats into individual fatty acids that can be absorbed into the bloodstream
subtype: lysozyme__muramidase an enzyme found in saliva and sweat and tears that destroys the cell walls of certain bacteria
subtype: monoamine_oxidase__monoamineoxidase__MAO an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
subtype: nitrogenase an enzyme of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms that catalyzes the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia
subtype: oxidase any of the enzymes that catalyze biological oxidation
subtype: peroxidase any of a group of enzymes (occurring especially in plant cells) that catalyze the oxidation of a compound by a peroxide
subtype: glutathione_peroxidase__glutathioneperoxidase an enzyme in the body that is a powerful scavenger of free radicals
subtype: oxidoreductase an enzyme that catalyzes oxidation-reduction
subtype: oxygenase an oxidoreductase that catalyzes the incorporation of molecular oxygen
subtype: papain a proteolytic enzyme obtained from the unripe papaya; used as a meat tenderizer
subtype: penicillinase__betalactamase enzyme produced by certain bacteria that inactivates penicillin and results in resistance to that antibiotic
subtype: pepsin an enzyme produced in the stomach that splits proteins into peptones
subtype: pepsinogen precursor of pepsin; stored in the stomach walls and converted to pepsin by hydrochloric acid in the stomach
subtype: phosphatase any of a group of enzymes that act as a catalyst in the hydrolysis of organic phosphates
subtype: plasmin__fibrinolysin an enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots
subtype: plasminogen an inactive form of plasmin that occurs in plasma and is converted to plasmin by organic solvents
subtype: polymerase an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of DNA and RNA from an existing strand of DNA or RNA
subtype: transcriptase a polymerase associated with the process of transcription
subtype: reverse_transcriptase__reversetranscriptase a polymerase that catalyzes the formation of DNA using RNA as a template; found especially in retroviruses
subtype: protease__peptidase__proteinase__proteolytic_enzyme__proteolyticenzyme any enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of proteins into smaller peptide fractions and amino acids by a process known as proteolysis
subtype: caspase any of a group of proteases that mediate apoptosis
subtype: angiotensin_converting_enzyme proteolytic enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II
subtype: plasminogen_activator__plasminogenactivator__urokinase protease produced in the kidney that converts plasminogen to plasmin and so initiates fibrinolysis
subtype: renin a proteolytic enzyme secreted by the kidneys; catalyzes the formation of angiotensin and thus affects blood pressure
subtype: reductase an enzyme that catalyses the biochemical reduction of some specified substance
subtype: HMG-CoA_reductase__5-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme_A_reductase a liver enzyme that is responsible for producing cholesterol
subtype: rennin__chymosin an enzyme that occurs in gastric juice; causes milk to coagulate
subtype: secretase a set of enzymes believed to snip pieces off a longer protein producing fragments of amyloid protein that bunch up and create amyloid protein plaques in brain tissue (the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's)
subtype: streptodornase an enzyme produced by some hemolytic strains of streptococcus that dissolves fibrinous secretions from infections; used medicinally (often in combination with streptokinase)
subtype: streptokinase an enzyme produced by some strains of streptococcus that can liquefy blood clots by converting plasminogen to plasmin; used medicinally in some cases of myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism
subtype: superoxide_dismutase__SOD an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen; "oxygen free radicals are normally removed in our bodies by the superoxide dismutase enzymes"
subtype: transaminase a class of enzymes that cause transamination
subtype: glutamic_oxalacetic_transaminase__glutamic_oxaloacetic_transaminase an enzyme involved in transamination
subtype: trypsin an enzyme of pancreatic origin; catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins to smaller polypeptide units
subtype: trypsinogen inactive precursor of trypsin; a substance secreted by the pancreas and converted to active trypsin by enterokinase in the small intestine
subtype: zymase a complex of enzymes that cause glycolysis; originally found in yeast but also present in higher organisms
subtype: fibrin a white insoluble fibrous protein formed by the action of thrombin on fibrinogen when blood clots; it forms a network that traps red cells and platelets
subtype: hatoglobin a protein in plasma that binds free hemoglobin and removes it (as from wounds)
subtype: iodoprotein__iodinated_protein__iodinatedprotein a protein that contains iodine
subtype: thyroprotein a preparation made from iodinated protein and having an action similar to thyroxine
subtype: thyroglobulin an iodine containing protein that is obtained from the thyroid gland and exhibits the general properties of the globulins
subtype: nucleoprotein any of several substances found in the nuclei of all living cells; consists of a protein bound to a nucleic acid
subtype: opsin retinal protein formed by the action of light on rhodopsin
subtype: phosphoprotein containing chemically bound phosphoric acid
subtype: casein a milk protein used in making e.g. plastics and adhesives
subtype: plasma_protein any of the proteins in blood plasma
subtype: human_gamma_globulin__humangammaglobulin__gamma_globulin__gammaglobulin a plasma protein containing the immunoglobulins that are responsible for immune responses
subtype: immunoglobulin__Ig__immune_serum_globulin__immune_gamma_globulin__immune_globulin a class of proteins produced in lymph tissue in vertebrates and that function as antibodies in the immune response
subtype: antibody any of a large variety of immunoglobulins normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen which it neutralizes, thus producing an immune response
subtype: autoantibody an antibody acting against tissues of the organism that produces it
subtype: rheumatoid_factor autoantibody that is usually present in the serum of people with rheumatoid arthritis
subtype: precipitin an antibody that causes precipitation when it unites with its antigen
subtype: ABO_antibodies blood type antibodies
subtype: Rh_antibody rhesus factor antibody
subtype: antitoxin an antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin
subtype: antivenin__antivenene an antitoxin that counteracts the effects of venom from the bite of a snake or insect or other animal
subtype: tetanus_antitoxin__tetanusantitoxin antitoxin given for short-term immunization against tetanus in cases of possible exposure to the tetanus bacillus
subtype: agglutinin an antibody that causes agglutination of a specific antigen
subtype: isoagglutinin an antibody produced by one individual that causes agglutination of red blood cells in other individuals of the same species
subtype: heterophil_antibody__heterophile_antibody__heterophileantibody__forssmanantibody an antibody found in the blood of someone suffering from infectious mononucleosis
subtype: isoantibody__alloantibody an antibody that occurs naturally against foreign tissues from a person of the same species
subtype: monoclonal_antibody any of a class of antibodies produced in the laboratory by identical offspring of a hybridoma; very specific for a particular location in the body
subtype: opsonin an antibody in blood serum that attaches to invading microorganisms and other antigens to make them more susceptible to the action of phagocytes
subtype: immunoglobulin_A__IgA one of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; the chief antibody in the membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts
subtype: immunoglobulin_D__IgD one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; present in blood serum in small amounts
subtype: immunoglobulin_E__IgE one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; present primarily in the skin and mucous membranes
subtype: reagin an immunoglobulin E that is formed as an antibody against allergens (such as pollen); attaches to cell membranes causing the release of histamine and other substances responsible for the local inflammation characteristic of an allergy
subtype: immunoglobulin_G__IgG one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; the main antibody defense against bacteria
subtype: immunoglobulin_M__IgM one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; involved in fighting blood infections and in triggering production of immunoglobulin G
subtype: tetanus_immunoglobulin__tetanusimmunoglobulin__tetanusimmuneglobulin sterile solution of globulins derived from the blood plasma of a person who has been immunized for tetanus; provides short-term immunization against tetanus in cases of possible exposure to the tetanus bacillis
subtype: coagulation_factor__coagulationfactor__clottingfactor any of the factors in the blood whose actions are essential for blood coagulation
subtype: fibrinogen__factor_I a protein present in blood plasma; converts to fibrin when blood clots
subtype: prothrombin__factorii a protein in blood plasma that is the inactive precursor of thrombin
subtype: thromboplastin__thrombokinase__factor_III an enzyme liberated from blood platelets that converts prothrombin into thrombin as blood starts to clot
subtype: calcium_ion__calciumion__factor_IV ion of calcium; a factor in the clotting of blood
subtype: proaccelerin__prothrombin_accelerator__prothrombinaccelerator__accelerator_factor__acceleratorfactor__factor_V a coagulation factor
subtype: proconvertin__cothromboplastin__stable_factor__factor_VII a coagulation factor formed in the kidney under the influence of vitamin K
subtype: antihemophilic_factor__antihaemophilic_factor__antihaemophilicfactor__antihemophilic_globulin__antihaemophilic_globulin__antihaemophilicglobulin__factor_VIII__Hemofil a coagulation factor (trade name Hemofil) whose absence is associated with hemophilia A
subtype: Christmas_factor__factor_IX coagulation factor whose absence is associated with hemophilia B
subtype: prothrombinase__factor_X coagulation factor that is converted to an enzyme that converts prothrombin to thrombin in a reaction that depends on calcium ions and other coagulation factors
subtype: plasma_thromboplastin_antecedent__factor_XI coagulation factor whose deficiency results in a hemorrhagic tendency
subtype: Hageman_factor__factor_XII coagulation factor whose deficiency results in prolongation of clotting time of venous blood
subtype: fibrinase__factorxiii in the clotting of blood thrombin catalyzes factor XIII into its active form (fibrinase) which causes fibrin to form a stable clot
subtype: prostate_specific_antigen__PSA a protein manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland; PSA is produced for the ejaculate where it liquifies the semen and allows sperm cells to swim freely; elevated levels of PSA in blood serum are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
subtype: simple_protein a protein that yields only amino acids when hydrolyzed
subtype: actin one of the proteins into which actomyosin can be split; can exist in either a globular or a fibrous form
subtype: albumin__albumen a simple water-soluble protein found in many animal tissues and liquids
subtype: ricin a toxic protein extracted from castor beans; used as a chemical reagent
subtype: lactalbumin albumin occurring in milk
subtype: serum_albumin__serumalbumin albumin occurring in blood serum; serves to maintain the somatic pressure of the blood
subtype: globulin a family of proteins found in blood and milk and muscle and in plant seed
subtype: serum_globulin__serumglobulin globulins occurring blood serum and containing most of the antibodies of the blood
subtype: C-reactive_protein__CRP a byproduct of inflammation; a globulin that is found in the blood in some cases of acute inflammation
subtype: human_gamma_globulin__humangammaglobulin__gamma_globulin__gammaglobulin a plasma protein containing the immunoglobulins that are responsible for immune responses
subtype: myosin the commonest protein in muscle; a globulin that combines with actin to form actomyosin
subtype: globin__hematohiston__haematohiston a colorless protein obtained by removing heme from hemoglobin; the oxygen carrying compound in red blood cells
subtype: glutelin a simple protein found in the seeds of cereals
subtype: histone a simple protein containing mainly basic amino acids; present in cell nuclei in association with nucleic acids
subtype: prolamine a simple protein found in plants
subtype: protamine a simple protein found in fish sperm; rich in arginine; simpler in composition than globulin or albumin; counteracts the anticoagulant effect of heparin
subtype: scleroprotein__albuminoid a simple protein found in horny and cartilaginous tissues and in the lens of the eye
subtype: collagen a fibrous scleroprotein in bone and cartilage and tendon and other connective tissue; yields gelatin on boiling
subtype: elastin a fibrous scleroprotein found in elastic tissues such as the walls of arteries
subtype: gelatine__gelatin a colorless water-soluble glutinous protein obtained from animal tissues such as bone and skin
subtype: keratin__ceratin a fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair feathers nails and hooves
subtype: cytokine any of various proteins secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system
subtype: tumor_necrosis_factor__tumour_necrosis_factor__TNF a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by white blood cells (monocytes and macrophages); has an antineoplastic effect but causes inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis)
subtype: lymphokine a cytokine secreted by helper T cells in response to stimulation by antigens and that play a role in cell-mediated immunity
subtype: interleukin any of several lymphokines that promote macrophages and killer T cells and B cells and other components of the immune system
subtype: ferritin a protein containing 20% iron that is found in the intestines and liver and spleen; it is one of the chief forms in which iron is stored in the body
subtype: nucleic_acid__nucleicacid any of various macromolecules that are vital constituents of all living cells
subtype: DNA__deoxyribonucleic_acid__desoxyribonucleic_acid__desoxyribonucleicacid a nucleic acid consisting of large molecules shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information; "DNA is the king of molecules"
subtype: operon a segment of DNA containing adjacent genes including structural genes and an operator gene and a regulatory gene
subtype: recombinant_DNA__recombinant_deoxyribonucleic_acid genetically engineered DNA made by recombining fragments of DNA from different organisms
subtype: sticky_end an end of DNA in which one strand of the double helix extends a few units beyond the other
subtype: ribonucleic_acid__ribonucleicacid__rna a nucleic acid that transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm; controls certain chemical processes in the cell; "ribonucleic acid is the genetic material of some viruses"
subtype: messenger_RNA__mRNA the template for protein synthesis; the form of RNA that carries information from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome sites of protein synthesis in the cell
subtype: transfer_DNA__tRNA the form of RNA that attaches the correct amino acid to the protein chain that is being synthesized at the ribosome of the cell (according to directions coded in the mRNA)
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