Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Endogenous
An endogenous substance or protein originates
from within its host.
Epitope
A small antigenic peptide fragment that is recognized
by the immune system.
Expression vector
An expression vector promotes the expression
of genes of interest in a non-native host system.
Expression vectors can be DNA- or RNA-based. VNP-
based expression vectors have also been developed;
they are used for the production of pharmaceutically
relevant proteins in bacteria or plants.
Fluoro-
immunoassay
A fluoro-immunoassay is an antibody-based detec-
tion method that takes advantage of the highly spe-
cific affinity between an antibody and its antigen.
Fluorescent-labeled antibodies or enzyme-labeled
antibodies are used to detect the presence of a cer-
tain antigen.
Folic acid
A vitamin that is required during growth and devel-
opment.
Folic acid receptor
Folic acid receptor is the cell surface receptor for the
vitamin folic acid; it binds folic acid and thus recruits
the vitamin from circulation into the cells where it is
needed during growth and development.
Gel electrophoresis
A method utilizing polymerized agarose or
acrylamide as a matrix for the separation of charged
molecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins using an
electrical field.
Gene therapy
In gene therapy genetic disorders are treated. Gene
therapy is the correction of a defective gene. Genetic
disorders may involve the over- or under-expression
of genes. Therapy then becomes a matter of silencing
or complementing endogenous gene expression.
Genotyping
The determination of the genotype (genetic consti-
tution) of an organism.
Heterologous
expression system
In heterologous expression, proteins derived from a
foreign organism are expressed. For example, plant
VNPs can be expressed in bacteria or yeast.
Host-guest
encapsulation
A term used in viral nanotechnology to describe
the encapsulation of packing of artificial cargo into
VNPs. The cargo is the guest and the VNP the host.
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