Category: B
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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. A theory that living organisms can only develop from other living organisms. The theory that life can originate only from pre-existing life and never from…
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Bioelectronics
Also called biomolecular electronics. It is the field where biotechnology is crossed with electronics. The branch of biotechnology that deals with the electroactive properties of biological materials, systems, and processes together with their exploitation in electronic devices. Bioelectronics will attempt to replace traditional semiconductor materials (e.g., silicon or gallium arsenide) with organic materials such as…
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Biodesulfurization
The removal of organic and inorganic sulfur (a pollution source) from coal by bacterial and soil microorganisms.
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Biocide
Any chemical or chemical compound that is toxic to living things (systems). Literally “biokiller” or killer of biological systems. Includes insecticides, bactericides, fungicides, etc. An agent that destroys life. A substance which kills living organisms. A substance, especially a pesticide or an antibiotic, that destroys living organisms.
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Biochip
An electronic device that uses biological molecules as the framework for other molecules that act as semiconductors, and functions as an integrated circuit. The future working parts of the science of bioelectronics, biochips may consist of two- or three-dimensional arrays of organic molecules used as switching or memory elements. If biochip technology proves to be…
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Beta interferon
One of the interferons, it is a protein that was approved by America’s Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 to be used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. Encounter a particular type of interferon, a naturally occurring protein produced by the cells of the body. This specific type of interferon is occasionally employed in…
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Beta conformation
An extended, zig-zag arrangement of a polypeptide (molecule) chain.
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Beta cells
Insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. If these cells are destroyed, childhood (also known as early-onset or Type I) diabetes results. A type of cell found in the islets of Langerhans, in the pancreas, which produces insulin. Insulin-producing cells found in the islands of Langerhans of the pancreas. Basophilic cells in the anterior lobe of pituitary…
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Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)
A statistical (data) technique that is utilized by livestock breeders to determine the breeding (genetic trait) value of animals in a breeding program.
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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. The Bce4 promoter causes such genes to be expressed during one of the earliest stages of canola plant’s seed production, for instance.