at Related Biological Terms

the use of suction to remove fluid or tissue, usually through a fine needle

Assortative mating is the mating of individuals with similar phenotypes. Assortative mating can also be defined as the reproductive pairing of individuals that have more traits in common than would likely be the case if the mating were random. Assortative mating, in human genetics, is a form of nonrandom mating in which pair bonds are established based on phenotype (observable characteristics). For example, a person may choose a mate according to religious, cultural, or ethnic preferences, professional interests, or physical traits. Assortative mating also occurs in nonhuman animal populations. Indeed, phenotypic similarity is thought to underlie mate selection in various species. Positive assortative mating, or homogamy, exists when people choose to mate with persons similar to themselves (e.g., when a tall person mates with a tall person); this type of selection is prevalent. Negative assortative mating is the opposite case, where people avoid mating with persons similar to themselves.

A term used to describe an individual who does not currently show symptoms of the disease being discussed. asymptomatic individuals may develop symptoms of the disease at a later point in time if and when the disease onsets.

ataxia is the shaky and unsteady movements that result from the brain's failure to regulate the body's posture and the strength and direction of movements. ataxia is most often caused by disease activity in the cerebellum.

A disease (loss of muscle control, and reddening of the skin) in human beings caused by a defect in DNA repair mechanisms induced by ionising radiation (X-rays, beta and alpha particles, gamma rays).

A ionization method used in mass spectrometry. It is a form of chemical ionization which takes place at atmopheric pressure. This ionization technique allows for the high flow rates typical of standard bore HPLC to be used directly, often without diverting the larger fraction of volume to waste. Typically the mobile phase containing eluting analyte is heated above 500 degrees Celsius in a ceramic needle, sprayed with high flow rates of nitrogen and the entire aerosol cloud is subjected to a corona discharge that creates ions. APCI is better for non-polar or low molecular weight molecules compared to ESI which is better for polar or high molecular weight molecules.update site2_product.biology_glossary set commentate='The property of antibodies which enables them to react with some antigenic determinants and not with others. Specificity is dependent on chemical composition, physical forces, and molecular structure at the binding site.

A chemical unit which is the smallest particle of an element still retaining its properties. Composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons which cannot be further broken down by chemical means.

The average weight of an atom occuring in nature measured in atomic mass.

(amu) By definition, 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom. To all intents and purposes, protons and neutrons weigh 1 amu.

The number in an element's box in the periodic table that indicates number of protons or electrons.