Glossary - Molecules: Nucleation, Aggregation and Crystallization - page 347

Plate — A stack of dishes.
Proteomic — Analysis of cells and tissue; identifying and understanding
biological processes and proteins expressed in cells as well as their modifi-
cations; direct analysis of the proteolytically digested proteins using liquid
separation techniques and tandem mass spectrometry/database searching.
Proteomics — The analysis of complete complements of proteins.
Proteomics includes not only the identification and quantification of pro-
teins, but also the determination of their localization, modifications, inter-
actions, activities, and ultimately, their function. Initially encompassing
just two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for protein separation and iden-
tification, proteomics now refers to any procedure that characterizes large
sets of proteins localized in the genome.
Proteonomics — Expression systems that can rapidly produce high levels
of recombinant proteins. The baculovirus expression technology makes this
system of choice in the emerging field of proteonomics, where rapid pro-
duction and high yields of biologically active complex proteins are essen-
tial in the discovery of new drug targets, vaccines, and biotherapeutics.
Post-genomics — All topic areas associated with obtaining higher bio-
logical meaning and function out of raw sequence data.
Screen — Several dishes or plates, comprising random or rationally
designed set for crystallization trials.
Silica — Silicon dioxide, SiO 2 , a white or colorless crystalline compound,
which occurs abundantly in nature as quartz, sand, flint, agate, and many
other minerals. When it occurs as a dust and is inhaled, it can cause the
lung disease silicosis.
Sitting drop — A method of producing protein crystals on the micro
scale. The drop “sits” over a reservoir and equilibrates with it; during this
process crystals appear.