Also known as Filtering. The removal of repeated or low complexity
regions from a sequence in order to improve the sensitivity
of sequence similarity searches performed with that sequence.
(NCBI)
Mass spectrometry
An instrument used to identify chemicals in a substance by
their mass and charge. (ORNL)
Meander
A simple topology of a beta-sheet where any two consecutive
strands are adjacent and antiparallel (SCOP)
Unit of length for DNA fragments equal to 1 million nucleotides
and roughly equal to 1 cM.
See also: centimorgan (ORNL)
Meiosis
The process of two consecutive cell divisions in the diploid
progenitors of sex cells. Meiosis results in four rather than
two daughter cells, each with a haploid set of chromosomes.
See also: mitosis (ORNL)
One method in which genetic traits are passed from parents
to offspring. Named for Gregor Mendel, who first studied and
recognized the existence of genes and this method of inheritance.
See also: autosomal dominant,
recessive gene, sex-linked
(ORNL)
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
RNA that serves as a template for protein synthesis.
See also: genetic code (ORNL)
Metaphase
A stage in mitosis or meiosis during which the chromosomes
are aligned along the equatorial plane of the cell. (ORNL)
Microarray
Sets of miniaturized chemical reaction areas that may also
be used to test DNA fragments, antibodies, or proteins. (ORNL)
Microbial genetics
The study of genes and gene function in bacteria, archaea,
and other microorganisms. Often used in research in the fields
of bioremediation, alternative energy, and disease prevention.
See also: model organisms,
biotechnology, bioremediation
(ORNL)
Microinjection
A technique for introducing a solution of DNA into a cell
using a fine microcapillary pipet. (ORNL)
Mitochondrial DNA
The genetic material found in mitochondria, the organelles
that generate energy for the cell. Not inherited in the same
fashion as nucleic DNA.
See also: cell, DNA,
genome, nucleus(ORNL)
The process of nuclear division in cells that produces daughter
cells that are genetically identical to each other and to
the parent cell.
See also: meiosis (ORNL)
A laboratory animal or other organism useful for research.
(ORNL)
Modeling
The use of statistical analysis, computer analysis, or model
organisms to predict outcomes of research. (ORNL)
Molecular biology
The study of the structure, function, and makeup of biologically
important molecules. (ORNL)
Molecular farming
The development of transgenic animals to produce human proteins
for medical use. (ORNL)
Molecular genetics
The study of macromolecules important in biological inheritance.
(ORNL)
Molecular medicine
The treatment of injury or disease at the molecular level.
Examples include the use of DNA-based diagnostic tests or medicine
derived from DNA sequence information. (ORNL)
An alignment of three or more sequences with gaps inserted
in the sequences such that residues with common structural positions
and/or ancestral residues are aligned in the same column. Clustal
W is one of the most widely used multiple sequence alignment
programs (NCBI)
Multiplexing
A laboratory approach that performs multiple sets of reactions
in parallel (simultaneously); greatly increasing speed and throughput.
(ORNL)
