6Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development
Acetylethyleneimine
*A solvent capable of inactivating viruses
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
A common bacterium found in large quantities in the soil, sewage and water supplies.Proposed in the autoimmune theory as a possible cause of BSE
ACOST
+Advisory Council on Science and Technology
Alzheimer's disease
.Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
Adenine (A)
DA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adeninethymine)
Adjuvant
8A substance enhancing the immune response to an antigen
Aetiology
)Study of the causes or origin of disease
'Agricultural and Food Research Council
Agalactia
HPartial or complete absence of milk, or milk flow, from the udder.(BMD)
Agent
A substance or organism that exerts some effect, eg, of disease.The term has a long-standing use in TSE research as being a neutral one which avoids terms used for common pathogens
Artificial insemination
Aliquot
A portion of a larger whole
AThe building blocks of proteins, linked together by chemical bonds.Amino acids contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, together with an amine group (NH2).The quality of a protein, in terms of its value as an animal feed, depends upon its content of essential amino acids.There are 20 amino acids, including lysine, methionine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine, histidine, valine, and arginine.(BVD)
Allele
Alternative form of a genetic locus; a single allele for each locus is inherited separately from each parent (e.g., at a locus for eye color the allele might result in blue or brown eyes)
Alleles
LAny of the alternative forms of a gene that may occur at a given gene locus
Alpha ()-helix
A rod-like structure within proteins, formed when the chain of amino acids forming the protein turns regularly around itself.Alpha-helices and beta ()-sheets are major determinants of protein structure
Alzheimer's disease (AD)
wA degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterised especially by premature senile mental deterioration
Amino acid
Any of a class of 20 molecules that are combined to form proteins in living things.The sequence of amino acids in a protein and hence protein function are determined by the genetic code
Amino acid
Amphotericin B
An antifungal antibiotic obtained from the soil dwelling bacterium Streptomyces nodosus, used to treat systemic fungal infections
Amplification
An increase in the number of copies of a specific DNA fragment; can be in vivo or in vitro.See cloning, polymerase chain reaction
Amyloid plaques
*Areas of accumulated amyloid in the brain
Amyloid
A substance consisting of protein, in combination with polysaccharides, that is deposited in some animal organs and tissues under abnormal conditions
Ante-mortem
*Before slaughter (literally before death)
Anthelmintic
See antihelminthic
Anthracycline
LCategory of chemical derivatives which are known to bind to amyloid fibrils
Antibody
ySubstance in the blood which destroys or neutralises antigens.(BMD) Antibodies belong to the globulin family of proteins
Antigen
A substance which causes the formation of antibodies, ie, provokes an immune response.Antigens are usually proteins that are foreign to the body
Antihelminthic
*A substance used to treat parasitic worms
BIndividual primary recombinant clones (hosted in phage, cosmid, YAC, or other vector) that are placed in two-dimensional arrays in microtiter dishes.Each primary clone can be identified by the identity of the plate and the clone location (row and column) on that plate.Arrayed libraries of clones can be used for many applications, including screening for a specific gene or genomic region of interest as well as for physical mapping.Information gathered on individual clones from various genetic linkage and physical map analyses is entered into a relational database and used to construct physical and genetic linkage maps simultaneously; clone identifiers serve to interrelate the multilevel maps.Compare library, genomic library
Antioxidant
6A substance that prevents or inhibits oxidation.(COD)
Aprotonin
An antifibrinolytic agent
9Agricultural Research Council (later the AFRC, from 1984
Arrayed library
Astrocytosis
Proliferation of specialised cells (astrocytes), in response to damage.Astrocytes are found in the central nervous system and support the function of neurons
Ataxia
4Inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movement
Attack rate
}The number of animals in an experimental group which succumb to a disease after exposure of the group to an infectious agent
Autoimmune disease
Disease that results from an immune system response against self-antigens.They result from the breakdown of the normal mechanisms of self-tolerance.These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus
Autonomic nervous system
A part of the vertebrate nervous system that innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues and governs involuntary actions.(For example, it innervates the gastrointestinal system.)
Autoradiography
A technique that uses X-ray film to visualize radioactively labeled molecules or fragments of molecules; used in analyzing length and number of DNA fragments after they are separated by gel electrophoresis
Autosomal
7Pertaining to a chromosome other than a sex chromosome
Autosome
A chromosome not involved in sex determination.The diploid human genome consists of 46 chromosomes, 22 pairs of autosomes, and 1 pair of sex chromosomes (the X and Y chromosomes)
\Cattle Born After the ruminant feed Ban in July 1988 that have been confirmed as having BSE
$See bacterial artificial chromosome
&Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)
A vector used to clone DNA fragments (100- to 300-kb insert size; average, 150 kb) in Escherichia coli cells.Based on naturally occurring F-factor plasmid found in the bacterium E.coli.Compare cloning vector
Bacteriophage
See phage
BChemical components of nucleic acids (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine in DNA; adenine, cytosine, guanine and uracil in RNA).The bases are capable of interacting with one another to form base pairs, adenine with thymine (uracil in RNA) and cytosine with guanine.In DNA, pairing by bases on opposite strands of the double helix links the two strands.Together with the sugar and phosphate molecules that form the backbone of nucleic acid, bases are termed nucleotides, three of which constitute a codon.See Figure 1.1
AThe traditional method of rendering whereby discrete quantities of raw animal by-products are cooked/dried in a closed vessel, either under pressure or, more normally, under atmospheric conditions.Batch rendering has been largely replaced by continuous rendering
Base pair (bp)
Two nitrogenous bases (adenine and thymine or guanine and cytosine) held together by weak bonds.Two strands of DNA are held together in the shape of a double helix by the bonds between base pairs
Base sequence analysis
AA method, sometimes automated, for determining the base sequence
Base sequence
0The order of nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule
Bases
Batch rendering
BBSRC
7Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Beta ()-sheet
A rigid structure within proteins, formed when the chains of amino acids forming the protein fold back on themselves.Together with -helices, -sheets are major determinants of protein structure
Bioassay
]Test for disease using a live animal; in the case of BSE susceptible mice are currently used
Biopsy (as brain biopsy)
A minor operative procedure to obtain a piece of brain tissue, which is looked at under the microscope and may give a diagnosis in some patients with neurological brain disorders
Biotechnology
A set of biological techniques developed through basic research and now applied to research and product development.In particular, the use by industry of recombinant DNA, cell fusion, and new bioprocessing techniques
Bivalent
XA pair of homologous chromosomes, which come together before the first meiotic division
Blastocyst
iA mammalian embryo at the early stage of development at which some differentiation of cells has occurred
Bovine
SOf, relating to, or resembling members of the Bovidae group of animals; ie, cattle
See base pair
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, a slowly progressive and ultimately fatal neurological disorder of adult cattle.See also TSE
5Biology of the Spongiform Encephalopathies Programme
,AA unit of measure of recombination frequency.One centimorgan is equal to a 1% chance that a marker at one genetic locus will be separated from a marker at a second locus due to crossing over in a single generation.In human beings, one centimorgan is equivalent, on average, to one million base pairs
Buffy coat
qThe thin yellow-white layer of white blood cells on top of the mass of red cells when whole blood is centrifuged
Cadaver
A dead body
Carditis
Inflammation of the heart
Catalyse
To cause or accelerate a chemical reaction.A substance which does so does not undergo any chemical change itself, but causes or accelerates change in another substance
Catechol sulphate
_One of three urine metabolites whose concentrations were investigated for use in BSE diagnosis
See complementary DNA
Cell culture
7Cultivation of living cells in prepared nutrient media
Cells
The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane.(COD) Cells can function cooperatively as part of a tissue or organ, or independently as free living organisms
Centimorgan (cM)
Central nervous system (CNS)
^Pertaining to the brain, cranial nerves and spinal cord.It does not include peripheral nerves
Centromere
TA specialized chromosome region to which spindle fibers attach during cell division
Cerebellar syndrome
7A disorder affecting the functioning of the cerebellum
Cerebellum
A large, dorsally projecting part of the brain concerned with the coordination of muscles and the maintenance of bodily equilibrium
5Cerebral hemispheres (together forming the cerebrum)
The main part of the brain.It consists of two hemispheres separated by a deep cleft, and is concerned with memory, initiative, volition, intelligence, perception, voluntary movement and emotion.(BVD)
Cervical
"Of, or relating to the neck.(COD)
Cheviot
Breed of hardy, hornless, relatively small sheep that are a source of quality mutton and have their origin in the Cheviot hills
3AA thread-like structure of nucleic acids and associated proteins found in the nuclei of most living cells, carrying genetic information.There are 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in each human cell nucleus.The chromosome is made up of many genes, which are made of codons, which are each made of three nucleotides
[AThe self-replicating genetic structure of cells containing the cellular DNA that bears in its nucleotide sequence the linear array of genes.In prokaryotes, chromosomal DNA is circular, and the entire genome is carried on one chromosome.Eukaryotic genomes consist of a number of chromosomes whose DNA is associated with different kinds of proteins
ADNA molecule originating from a virus, a plasmid, or the cell of a higher organism into which another DNA fragment of appropriate size can be integrated without loss of the vectors capacity for selfreplication; vectors introduce foreign DNA into host cells, where it can be reproduced in large quantities.Examples are plasmids, cosmids, and yeast artificial chromosomes; vectors are often recombinant molecules containing DNA sequences from several sources
BUsing specialized DNA technology (see cloning vector) to produce multiple, exact copies of a single gene or other segment of DNA to obtain enough material for further study.This process is used by researchers in the Human Genome Project, and is referred to as cloning DNA.The resulting cloned (copied) collections of DNA molecules are called clone libraries.A second type of cloning exploits the natural process of cell division to make many copies of an entire cell.The genetic makeup of these cloned cells, called a cell line, is identical to the original cell.A third type of cloning produces complete, genetically identical animals such as the famous Scottish sheep, Dolly
2$,:<2
Chloroform
A colourless, volatile, heavy toxic liquid (CHCl3), with an ether odour used especially as a solvent or as a veterinary anaesthetic
Chromatid
_Each of the two thread-like strands into which a chromosome divides during cell division.(COD)
Chromosome
Chromosome
XCreutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a human transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.See also TSE
CJDSU
National CJD Surveillance Unit
Clone bank
See genomic library
Clone
An exact copy made of biological material such as a DNA segment (a gene or other region), a whole cell, or a complete organism
Cloning vector
Cloning
See centimorgan
Chief Medical Officer
Central nervous system
See genetic code
Codon
vA sequence of three successive nucleotides in nucleic acid which specifies a particular amino acid or signal sequence
Codon
See genetic code
AA mixture of products of vegetable or animal origin in their natural state, fresh or preserved, or products derived from an industrial processing thereof, or organic or inorganic substances whether or not containing additives, for oral animal feeding in the form of complete feedstuffs
AA method of rendering whereby raw animal by-products are fed into a continuous cooking/drying process.Now the most dominant process worldwide.Manufacturing systems include
Stork Duke Cookers, Stord Bartz Driers, Carver-Greenfield Systems, and Protech Systems.Cf.batch rendering
AArtificially constructed cloning vector containing the cos gene of phage lambda.Cosmids can be packaged in lambda phage particles for infection into E.coli; this permits cloning of larger DNA fragments (up to 45kb) than can be introduced into bacterial hosts in plasmid vectors
Cohort study
Maternal transmission study conducted by MAFF.A cohort is a group of animals of the same species, identified by a common characteristic, which are studied over a period of time as part of a scientific or medical investigation
Collagen
]The main structural protein found in animal connective tissue, yielding gelatine when boiled
Colostrum
The first type of milk secreted by a mammal, for the first three to four days after birth.Contains high levels of protein, vitamins, antibodies, etc
Complementary DNA (cDNA)
}DNA that is synthesized from a messenger RNA template; the single-stranded form is often used as a probe in physical mapping
Complementary sequence
Nucleic acid base sequence that can form a doublestranded structure by matching base pairs with another sequence; the complementary sequence to GTAC is CATG
&Compound feedstuff (or feeding stuff)
Conformation
The three-dimensional arrangement of side groups on a molecule such as a protein.The conformation of a protein determines its accessibility to proteases
Conformer
%A protein of particular conformation
Conjugate
To unite or combine with
Conserved sequence
A base sequence in a DNA molecule (or an amino acid sequence in a protein) that has remained essentially unchanged throughout evolution
Contig map
A map depicting the relative order of a linked library of small overlapping clones representing a complete chromosomal segment
Contig
cGroup of cloned (copied) pieces of DNA representing overlapping regions of a particular chromosome
Continuous rendering
Cosmid
Co-translational event
uThe modification of a protein during its synthesis (translation from mRNA), such as glycosylation or phosphorylation
ossing over
The breaking during meiosis of one maternal and one paternal chromosome, the exchange of corresponding sections of DNA, and the rejoining of the chromosomes.This process can result in an exchange of alleles between chromosomes.Compare recombination
JDJp@
Crossing-over
rA process whereby parts of maternal and paternal chromosomes are exchanged, resulting in a 'shuffling' of alleles
Chief Scientific Adviser
lCerebrospinal fluid
the fluid within the brain cavities and bathing its surface and that of the spinal cord
Chief Scientist's Group, MAFF
Central Science Laboratory
Council for Scientific Policy
1Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge, Surrey
Chief Veterinary Officer
eChronic Wasting Disease, a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in mule deer and elk.See also TSE
Cytoplasm
The main body of a cell
Cytosine (C)
JA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair GC (guanine and cytosine)
Cytotoxic
dDescriptive of substances that are directly toxic to cells, preventing their reproduction or growth
Daltons
A unit of mass for expressing masses of atoms, molecules, or nuclear particles.It is equal to 1/12 the mass of a single atom of the most abundant form of carbon, carbon-12
Degradation
+The 'unmaking' or dismantling of a protein
Deletion Map
A description of a specific chromosome that uses defined mutations -specific deleted areas in the genome- as "biochemical signposts," or markers for specific areas
Dementia
BA condition of deteriorated mentality often with emotional apathy
AThe molecule that encodes genetic information.DNA is a doublestranded molecule held together by weak bonds between base pairs of nucleotides.The four nucleotides in DNA contain the bases
adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).In nature, base pairs form only between A and T and between G and C; thus the base sequence of each single strand can be deduced from that of its partner
Deoxyribonucleotide
See nucleotide
Derris
?A preparation of derris roots and stems used as an insecticide
$Department of Education and Science
Dextran sulphate
;A specific carbohydrate known to be active against viruses
1Department of Health (until July 1988, the DHSS)
Diisopropylfluorophosphate
An OP compound
Diploid
A cell with a full set of genetic material, consisting of chromosomes in homologous pairs and thus having two copies of each gene.A diploid cell has one chromosome from each parental set
Diploid
A full set of genetic material, consisting of paired chromosomes one chromosome from each parental set.Most animal cells except the gametes have a diploid set of chromosomes.The diploid human genome has 46 chromosomes.Compare haploid
Disulphide bond
Bond between two sulphur-containing amino acids in a folded protein chain.These bonds stabilise the three-dimensional structure of extracellular proteins, and can be broken and reformed by chemical reaction
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
DNA probe
See probe
DNA replication
The use of existing DNA as a template for the synthesis of new DNA strands.In humans and other eukaryotes, replication occurs in the cell nucleus
DNA sequence
The relative order of base pairs, whether in a fragment of DNA, a gene, a chromosome, or an entire genome.See base sequence analysis
'Deoxyribonucleic acid.See nucleic acid
Domain
A discrete portion of a protein with its own function.The combination of domains in a single protein determines its overall function
Dominance
yThe property of one of a pair of alleles or traits that suppresses expression of the other in the heterozygous condition
ARefers to the clinical manifestation of being unable to rise.This is a common occurrence, usually around parturition, and can result from a variety of causes, including neurological disease.It has been proposed that a proportion of cases are in fact cases of BSE
AA microscope which beams electrons at and through the object of interest, instead of light beams.This type of microscope provides the greatest resolution of extremely small details.Used for magnifying viruses, bacteria, etc.Magnification may be up to
300,000
[AA technique usually used to separate proteins or nucleic acids on the basis of their relative electrical charges.Generally, mixtures of protein or nucleic acid are applied to a porous support matrix, such as a gel, through which an electric field is applied.Components can be identified since they migrate in the electric field at different rates
AA method of separating large molecules (such as DNA fragments or proteins) from a mixture of similar molecules.An electric current is passed through a medium containing the mixture, and each kind of molecule travels through the medium at a different rate, depending on its electrical charge and size.Separation is based on these differences.Agarose and acrylamide gels are the media commonly used for electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids
Dominant hemimelia (Dh)
>An inherited disorder resulting in abnormal forearms or hands
Dopamine
A precursor of noradrenaline, a hormone responsible for transmission in the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system.Dopamine occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain
Dorsal root ganglia
hSwellings on the dorsal roots of spinal nerves ...they contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons.(BMD)
Dose-response curve
A graph to show the relation between the dose of a foreign substance and the degree of response it produces, as measured by the percentage of the exposed population showing a defined effect.(IPCS)
Double helix
The molecular structure of DNA, in which two strands of DNA, joined together by a base pairing, coil around one another.See Figure 1.1
Double helix
EThe shape that two linear strands of DNA assume when bonded together
Downer cows
!Department of Trade and Industry
Dura mater
oThe outermost and strongest of the three membranes, or meninges, which envelop the brain and spinal cord.(BMD)
E.coli
Common bacterium that has been studied intensively by geneticists because of its small genome size, normal lack of pathogenicity, and ease of growth in the laboratory
(Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
Effective dose
YDose required to produce disease (for an organism), or beneficial effect (for a therapy)
Eland
ZA large antelope of the genus Tragelaphus, with spiral horns, native to Africa.A ruminant
Electron microscope
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis
AEnzyme linked immunosorbent assay.A sensitive test to measure small amounts of a particular protein in solution, using specific antibodies to identify proteins.It has been applied for the detection of MBM in ruminant feed.If successfully applied, it can indicate whether there is mammalian protein in a straight or compound feed and, more specifically, the type of mammalian protein
ELISA
Endemic
MAn endemic disease is one present in an animal population at all times.(BVD)
Endocrine cell
Specialised animal cell that secretes a hormone into the blood; usually part of a gland, such as the thyroid or pituitary gland.(Alberts)
Endonuclease
_An enzyme that cleaves its nucleic acid substrate at internal sites in the nucleotide sequence
Enzyme digestion
A process in which an enzyme (itself a protein) uses water to 'degrade' or split a protein into amino acids or groups of amino acids called peptides
Enzyme
A protein that acts as a catalyst, speeding the rate at which a biochemical reaction proceeds but not altering the direction or nature of the reaction
Enzyme
A protein that catalyses chemical reactions of other substances without itself being destroyed or altered upon completion of the reactions
Epidemic
Term used to describe a disease affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time
Epidemiology
fA branch of science dealing with the incidence, distribution and control of a disease in a population
0Expressed sequence tag.See sequence tagged site
Eukaryote
Cell or organism with membranebound, structurally discrete nucleus and other welldeveloped subcellular compartments.Eukaryotes include all organisms except viruses, bacteria, and bluegreen algae.Compare prokaryote.See chromosome
Evolutionarily conserved
See conserved sequence
Excitotoxicity
The death of nerve cells as a result of abnormally prolonged stimulation, produced by increasing the duration and effective concentration of neurotransmitter at the cell synapse (the point at which a nervous impulse passes from one neuron to another)
Exogenous DNA
$DNA originating outside an organism
8The proteincoding DNA sequence of a gene.Compare intron
Exonuclease
bAn enzyme that cleaves nucleotides sequentially from free ends of a linear nucleic acid substrate
AAnalysis of biological material by detection of the lightabsorbing or fluorescing properties of cells or subcellular fractions (i.e., chromosomes) passing in a narrow stream through a laser beam.An absorbance or fluorescence profile of the sample is produced.Automated sorting devices, used to fractionate samples, sort successive droplets of the analyzed stream into different fractions depending on the fluorescence emitted by each droplet
.Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE)
An autoimmune disease that can be induced in various animals experimentally by the injection of myelin basic protein (from homogenised brain or spinal cord) with an immunostimulatory substance
Expressed gene
See gene expression
Extraneural tissues
#Tissues outside the nervous system
Familial
KTending to occur in more members of a family than expected by chance alone
uFatal Familial Insomnia, a rare human familial neurodegenerative disease shown to be caused by a prion gene mutation
Fibril
5A small or slender fibre (adjective
fibrillar).(COD)
*FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization)
A physical mapping approach that uses fluorescein tags to detect hybridization of probes with metaphase chromosomes and with the lesscondensed somatic interphase chromatin
Flow cytometry
Flow karyotyping
\Use of flow cytometry to analyze and separate chromosomes on the basis of their DNA content
Formalin
dA colourless solution of formaldehyde in water used as a preservative for biological specimens, etc
Frameshift
Relating to, being, or causing a mutation in which a number of nucleotides not divisible by three is inserted into or deleted from the genetic code, so as to change the reading frame of some triplet codons during protein synthesis
DFeline spongiform encephalopathy, first discovered in a cat in 1990
Gamete
)A sperm or egg.Also known as 'germ cell'
Gamete
jMature male or female reproductive cell (sperm or ovum) with a haploid set of chromosomes (23 for humans)
Gastric
Of, or relating to the stomach
Gastrointestinal
DOf, relating to, affecting, or including both stomach and intestine
Ba DNA separation technique that is very important in DNA sequencing.Standard sequencing procedures involve cloning DNA fragments into special sequencing cloning vectors that carry tiny pieces of DNA.The next step is to determine the base sequence of the tiny fragments by a special procedure that generates a series of even tinier DNA fragments that differ in size by only one base.These nested fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis, in which the DNA pieces are added to a gelatinous solution, allowing the fragments to work their way down through the gel.Smaller pieces move faster and will reach the bottom first.Movement through the gel is hastened by applying an electrical field to the gel
=AThe process by which a gene's coded information is converted into the structures present and operating in the cell.Expressed genes include those that are transcribed into mRNA and then translated into protein and those that are transcribed into RNA but not translated into protein (e.g., transfer and ribosomal RNAs)
AThe fundamental physical and functional unit of heredity.A gene is an ordered sequence of nucleotides located in a particular position on a particular chromosome that encodes a specific functional product (i.e., a protein or RNA molecule).See gene expression
AThe sequence of nucleotides, coded in triplets (codons) along the mRNA, that determines the sequence of amino acids in protein synthesis.The DNA sequence of a gene can be used to predict the mRNA sequence, and the genetic code can in turn be used to predict the amino acid sequence
Gel Electrophoresis
Gelatine
jColourless, transparent, jelly-like material, derived from collagen, and obtained by boiling animal bones
Gemsbok
0An African antelope.Not a ruminant.Cf.the nyala
Gene expression
Gene family
:Group of closely related genes that make similar products
Gene library
See genomic library
Gene locus
2The position in a chromosome of a particular gene
Gene mapping
Determination of the relative positions of genes on a DNA molecule (chromosome or plasmid) and of the distance, in linkage units or physical units, between them
Gene product
The biochemical material, either RNA or protein, resulting from expression of a gene.The amount of gene product is used to measure how active a gene is; abnormal amounts can be correlated with diseasecausing alleles
That part of the DNA molecule which carries the information defining the sequence of amino acids in a specific polypeptide chain.(IPCS)
Genetic code
wThe sequence of bases in nucleic acid which determines the order of amino acids in the polypeptide synthesised from it
Genetic code
Genetic engineering technology
See recombinant DNA technology
Genetic map
See linkage map
Genetic material
See genome
AThe order of the subunits, called bases, that make up a particular fragment of DNA in a genome.DNA is a long molecule made up of four different kinds of bases, which are abbreviated A, C, T, and G.A DNA fragment that is 10 bases long might have a base sequence of, for example, ATCGTTCCTG.The particular sequence of bases encodes important information in an individual's genetic blueprint, and is unique for each individual (except identical twins)
AHormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which controls the activities of the testes and ovaries.Human pituitary-derived gonadotrophin was once used as an infertility treatment for women.Some women following this treatment developed CJD from infected pituitaries
Genetics
<The study of the patterns of inheritance of specific traits
Genome project
Research and technology development effort aimed at mapping and sequencing some or all of the genome of human beings and other organisms
Genome
All the genetic material in the chromosomes of a particular organism; its size is generally given as its total number of base pairs
Genome
:The complete set of genetic material of an organism.(COD)
Genomic library
A collection of clones made from a set of randomly generated overlapping DNA fragments representing the entire genome of an organism.Compare library, arrayed library
Genomic sequence
Genotype
9The genetic constitution of an individual organism.(COD)
Germ line mutation
IA mutation present in gametes which will transmit to the next generation
Glycoform pattern
^The distinctive pattern produced following electrophoresis of protease-digested prion protein
Glycoprotein
JA protein which has carbohydrate groups attached to the polypeptide chain
Glycosylation
UThe process by which proteins are modified by the addition of sugars (carbohydrates)
Gonadotrophin
Greaves
wA product of the rendering process, after the extraction of tallow, which is further processed into meat and bone meal
Grey matter
Those parts of the brain and spinal cord that contain tightly packed nuclei of nerve cells, and are darker in colour than white matter which is largely made up of the axons of nerve cells
Gerstmann-Str"ussler-Schein
ker syndrome, a rare familial spongiform encephalopathy, now known to be associated with mutations in the PrP gene.Also known as Gerstmann-Str"ussler Syndrome
Guanine (G)
JA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair GC (guanine and cytosine)
#AA short stretch of nucleotides whose base sequence is virtually identical in all the genes that contain it.It has been found in many organisms from fruit flies to human beings.In the fruit fly, a homeobox appears to determine when particular groups of genes are expressed during development
Haploid
A single set of chromosomes (half the full set of genetic material), present in the egg and sperm cells of animals and in the egg and pollen cells of plants.Human beings have 23 chromosomes in their reproductive cells.Compare diploid
Haploid
NDescriptive of cells (sperm or egg) with a single set of unpaired chromosomes
Huntington's disease
Heparin
bA naturally produced anticoagulant that is found especially in liver, and is often used medically
Heptane
EAny of several organic compounds C7H16, used especially as a solvent
Heteromeric
KDescribing a molecular complex composed of two or more dissimilar subunits
Heterozygosity
PThe presence of different alleles at one or more loci on homologous chromosomes
Heterozygous
@Having two different alleles of the same gene.Noun
heterozygote
Human growth hormone.At one time made from post-mortem pituitaries, inadvertently contaminated with the CJD agent, and now known to have transmitted CJD to a small number of those treated with hGH for short stature
Histology
OThe study of cells and tissues at the microscopic level.Adjective
histological
Histopathology
UThe branch of medicine concerned with the changes in tissues caused by disease.(COD)
Holding
BLand and buildings held by a freehold or leasehold occupier.(DOA)
Homeobox
Homogenate
4The material obtained when something is homogenised
Homogenised
?Blended to make smooth, with an even distribution of particles
Homologous chromosome
^Chromosome containing the same linear gene sequences as another, each derived from one parent
ACollective name for several projects begun in 1986 by DOE to (1) create an ordered set of DNA segments from known chromosomal locations, (2) develop new computational methods for analyzing genetic map and DNA sequence data, and (3) develop new techniques and instruments for detecting and analyzing DNA.This DOE initiative is now known as the Human Genome Program.The national effort, led by DOE and NIH, is known as the Human Genome Project
Homologue
NIn genetics, one member of a related pair of chromosomes.Adjective
homologous
Homology
jSimilarity in DNA or protein sequences between individuals of the same species or among different species
Homomeric
>Describing a molecular complex composed of identical subunits
Homozygous
|In genetics, having two identical alleles of the same gene.Corresponding positions of a pair of chromosomes.Noun
homozygote
Hormone
Signalling molecules, excreted by specialised cells, which circulate in the blood stream and have a point of action remote from the point of excretion.Hormones generally have a stimulatory effect on a cellular activity
Human gene therapy
HInsertion of normal DNA directly into cells to correct a genetic defect
Human Genome Initiative
Humoral
Relating to or being the part of immunity or the immune response that involves antibodies secreted by certain white blood cells and circulating in bodily fluids
Huntington's disease (HD)
GHereditary disease characterised by involuntary movements and dementia
Hybridization
vThe process of joining two complementary strands of DNA or one each of DNA and RNA to form a double-stranded molecule
Hyperbaric
;Of, relating to, or utilising greater than normal pressure
Hypochlorite
:A salt of hypochlorous acid, often used as a disinfectant
Intracerebral
QInstitute for Animal Health.(Formerly the Institute for Animal Disease Research)
Iatrogenesis
Any adverse mental or physical condition induced in a patient through the effects of treatment by a physician or surgeon (adjective
iatrogenic).(Taber)
The unit of infective dose
AA method for detecting small amounts of biological materials including disease-associated form of PrP.It can therefore be used to diagnose TSEs
the materials are separated in an electric field, and transferred to a sheet on which they can be stained.See also western blot.The method requires tissue which is frozen and then homogenised, and cannot be used on material which has been fixed in formalin.In the past most tissue samples were fixed in formalin for pathological diagnosis
Ileum
(The last portion of the small intestine
Immune response
The reaction of the body to substances that are foreign or treated as foreign.It may take various forms, eg, antibody production, cell-mediated immunity, immunological tolerance, or hypersensitivity (allergy).(IPCS)
Immune system
|The body system, made up of many organs and cells, that protects the body against infection, disease and foreign substances
Immunoblot
Immunodeficiency
Impaired immunity resulting from inherited or acquired abnormalities of the immune system, leading to increased vulnerability to infection
Immunofluorescence
The labelling of antibodies or antigens with fluorescent dyes especially for the purpose of demonstrating the presence of a particular antigen or antibody in a tissue preparation
Immunomodulatory compound
>A substance that affects the functioning of the immune system
Immunosuppression
?The suppression (usually by drugs) of natural immune responses
In situ hybridization
Use of a DNA or RNA probe to detect the presence of the complementary DNA sequence in cloned bacterial or cultured eukaryotic cells
In utero
In the uterus (womb)
In vitro
GIn the glass (test tube), ie, observations outside the body.Cf.in vivo
In vitro
Outside a living organism
In vivo
0Observations inside the living body.Cf.in vitro
Incidence
A measure of the frequency of disease.Incidence refers specifically to the number of new cases of a disease during a particular period of time
Incubation
?Period between infection and clinical manifestation of disease
Index case
2The first case of disease in a defined population
AA more sensitive technique than (direct) immunofluorescence.Antigens or antibodies in a tissue preparation are bound by an unlabelled primary antibody which itself is recognised by many molecules of a secondary antibody.The secondary antibody is labelled with fluorescent dye to enable detection.In effect, this results in amplification of the signal that would have been obtained if the antigen of interest had been detected directly
0AThe study of the application of computer and statistical techniques to the management of information.In genome projects, informatics includes the development of methods to search databases quickly, to analyze DNA sequence information, and to predict protein sequence and structure from DNA sequence data
B8hH)
Indirect immunofluorescence
Infectious
Capable of being transmitted
Infective dose (ID50)
oThe amount of infectious material required to cause disease in approximately 50 per cent of inoculated animals
Informatics
Inoculation
AIntroduction of a pathogen (virus, bacteria, etc) into an animal
Inoculum
YSubstance that is introduced into an animal to infect it with disease or to vaccinate it
Insulin
A protein pancreatic hormone that is essential especially for the metabolism of carbohydrates and is used in the treatment and control of diabetes mellitus
Interphase
XThe period in the cell cycle when DNA is replicated in the nucleus; followed by mitosis
Intracerebral (i.c.)
-Route of inoculation directly into the brain
Intramuscular
Into the muscle
Intraocular
Into the eye
Intraperitoneal (i.p.)
Into the abdominal cavity
Intraspinal
Into the spinal cord
Intron
The DNA base sequence interrupting the protein coding sequence of a gene; this sequence is transcribed into RNA but is cut out of the message before it is translated into protein.Compare exon
An atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons
Ionising radiation
Can be either short-wave electromagnetic radiation such as X-rays or ultraviolet light, or radiation emitted from radioactive materials.This type of radiation can cause extensive damage to biological molecules, such as DNA
AA photomicrograph of an individual's chromosomes arranged in a standard format showing the number, size, and shape of each chromosome type; used in low-resolution physical mapping to correlate gross chromosomal abnormalities with the characteristics of specific diseases
fAThe proximity of two or more markers (e.g., genes, RFLP markers) on a chromosome; the closer together the markers are, the lower the probability that they will be separated during DNA repair or replication processes (binary fission in prokaryotes, mitosis or meiosis in eukaryotes), and hence the greater the probability that they will be inherited together
Isoforms
WDifferent forms of a protein that may be produced as a result of some chemical process
Isolate
qThe term used to denote a pathogen or mixture of pathogens derived from a particular source.See also TSE isolate
Karyotype
See kilobase
Kilobase (kb)
;Unit of length for DNA fragments equal to 1000 nucleotides
yA large, grey-brown African antelope (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) with large, annulated, spirally twisted horns.A ruminant
A human transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, found in the Fore people in Papua New Guinea.New cases are now extremely rare, after being at a high frequency just a few decades ago
Lateral transmission
iTransmission within a population other than by genetic or maternal transmission.Cf.vertical transmission
The unit of lethal dose
Lemur
mNocturnal mammal related to monkeys but usually regarded as constituting a distinct superfamily (Lemuroidea)
Lesion profile
XThe pattern of brain tissue damage, used as a distinguishing feature for different TSEs
Lethal dose (LD50)
mThe amount of infectious material required to cause death in approximately 50 per cent of inoculated animals
Library
An unordered collection of clones (i.e., cloned DNA from a particular organism), whose relationship to each other can be established by physical mapping.Compare genomic library, arrayed library
Linkage map
A map of the relative positions of genetic loci on a chromosome, determined on the basis of how often the loci are inherited together.Distance is measured in centimorgans (cM)
Linkage
Lipid
mAn organic compound which is insoluble in water, but soluble in fat solvents such as alcohol and ether.(BMD)
_ARestriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA at precise locations.Restriction maps depict the positions on chromosomes of restriction enzyme cutting sites.These are used as biochemical "signposts", or markers of specific areas along the chromosomes.The map will detail the positions on the DNA molecule that are cut by particular restriction enzymes
BALymphoreticular system.The tissues and organs (including the bone marrow, tonsils, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes) which produce and store cells that fight infection, and the network of vessels that carry lymph.Many species including ruminants have an additional primary lymphoid tissue in the gut
the ileal Peyer's patch
AWhite blood cell that produces an immune response when activated by a foreign molecule (an antigen).T-lymphocytes develop in the thymus and are responsible for cell-mediated immunity (ie, attacking and destroying antigens directly), and for stimulating certain white blood cells.B-lymphocytes develop in the bone marrow in mammals and are responsible for the production of circulating antibodies
HAAn identifiable physical location on a chromosome (e.g., restriction enzyme cutting site, gene) whose inheritance can be monitored.Markers can be expressed regions of DNA (genes) or some segment of DNA with no known coding function but whose pattern of inheritance can be determined.See restriction fragment length polymorphism
Localize
YDetermination of the original position (locus) of a gene or other marker on a chromosome
Locus (pl.loci)
The position on a chromosome of a gene or other chromosome marker; also, the DNA at that position.The use of locus is sometimes restricted to mean regions of DNA that are expressed.See gene expression
Long-Range Restriction Mapping
Louping-ill disease
Virus disease of sheep involving brain inflammation, transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus.Has also been found in cattle, horses, dogs and pigs
Lymph
{The fluid which circulates the body in the lymphatic vessels - like blood but colourless.Carries certain white blood cells
Lymphocyte
Lymphoid tissue
Tissue involved in the production of lymph, lymphocytes and antibodies - consists of the lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils and spleen
Macaque
0Group of Old World monkeys from Africa and Asia
Macrorestriction map
fMap depicting the order of and distance between sites at which restriction enzymes cleave chromosomes
,Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Mapping
,See gene mapping, linkage map, physical map
Marker
Marmoset
!A small tropical American monkey
Maternal transmission
STransmission from dam to offspring in utero or in the immediate post-partum period
See megabase
%AAn essential amino acid and of relevance to CJD, since codon 129 of the PRNP gene can code for either methionine or valine.Variant CJD cases have all been homozygous for methionine atcodon 129, whilst iatrogenic cases are associated with a significant excess of the valine homozygous genotype
hMeat and bone meal.Animal-derived protein produced by rendering.Used as a protein source in animal feed
Medulla oblongata
The hindmost part of the brain, which is continued into the spinal cord.In it are situated several of the nerve-centres which are most essential to life, such as those governing breathing, the action of the heart and swallowing.(BMD)
Megabase (Mb)
ZUnit of length for DNA fragments equal to 1 million nucleotides and roughly equal to 1 cM
Meiosis
yA type of cell division that results in daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.(COD)
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
Membrane protein
gProtein that is embedded in the surface membranes of cells and cellular organelles such as the nucleus
Mesenteric
JRelating to the fold of the peritoneum which supports the small intestine
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
ERNA that serves as a template for protein synthesis.See genetic code
Metabolite
dA product of metabolism
the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life
Metaphase
nA stage in mitosis or meiosis during which the chromosomes are aligned along the equatorial plane of the cell
Methionine
Methyl bromide
GChemical mutagen which leaked from a factory in Smarden (Kent) in 1963
Micro-organism
TAn organism of microscopic or ultramicroscopic size, including bacteria and viruses
Missense
PA mutation that produces an abnormal form of protein which is normally produced
Mitosis
A type of cell division that results in daughter cells each with the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent cell.Cf.meiosis
Mitosis
The process of nuclear division in cells that produces daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell
AA change occurring in the genetic material (DNA) in the chromosomes of a cell.It can be caused by a fault in the replication of a cell's genetic material when it divides to form two daughter cells.It can also occur as a result of exposure to radiation or chemical mutagens
Molecular chaperone
Proteins which mediate the correct assembly of other polypeptides, but are not themselves part of the functional assembled structure
Molecular mimicry
PDescribes bacteria that share molecular sequences with particular human tissues
Molecular weight
The average mass of a molecule of a compound compared to 1/12 the mass of carbon-12 and calculated as the sum of the atomic weights of the constituent atoms
Morbid
$Affected with or induced by disease
Moufflon
Wild sheep
Medical Research Council
Magnetic resonance imaging.An imaging technique used to image internal structures of the body, particularly the soft tissues, eg, the brain
Messenger RNA
See messenger RNA
&Multifactorial or multigenic disorder
See polygenic disorder
Multimeric protein structure
>The structure of a protein comprised of more than one subunit
Multiple sclerosis
]A disease of the brain and spinal cord which produces symptoms such as paralysis and tremors
Multiplexing
kA sequencing approach that uses several pooled samples simultaneously, greatly increasing sequencing speed
Mutation
Mutation
:Any heritable change in DNA sequence.Compare polymorphism
Mutism
=Inability to speak, especially as the result of brain damage
Myelin
!The 'insulation' on some neurons
Nasopharynx
.The part of the pharynx above the soft palate
Negative-line
A breed or selection line of an animal species which is known to be resistant to particular strains of disease agent.Cf.positive-line
Nematode
ePhylum of elongated cylindrical worms parasitic in animals or plants or free-living in soil or water
Nemavirus
Proposed nature of the infective agent of TSEs, in which TSE-associated single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) is sandwiched between a core of SAF protein and an outer layer of protein.See paragraphs 2.59-61
Neonate
Newborn
Neuroblastoma
A malignant haemorrhagic tumour
Neurodegenerative disease
iA disorder of the central nervous system characterised by gradual and progressive loss of nervous tissue
Neurology
pThe scientific study of the nervous system especially in respect to its structure, functions, and abnormalities
Neuron
Nerve cell
Neuropathology
pThe study of diseases of the nervous system and the structural and functional changes occurring in them.(Taber)
Neurotransmitter
BA substance which transmits the action of a nerve to another cell
National Health Service
Nitrogenous base
GA nitrogencontaining molecule having the chemical properties of a base
"Neuropathogenesis Unit, Edinburgh
NSE (neuron specific enolase)
aSpecific enzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates (enolase), found only in nerve cells
DAA subunit of DNA or RNA consisting of a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, thymine, or cytosine in DNA; adenine, guanine, uracil, or cytosine in RNA), a phosphate molecule, and a sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA).Thousands of nucleotides are linked to form a DNA or RNA molecule.See DNA, base pair, RNA
Nucleic acid
1A large molecule composed of nucleotide subunits
Nucleic acid
Substance constructed out of units known as nucleotides.Two types of nucleic acid occur in nature
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).(BMD)
Nucleotide
Basic structural unit of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), consisting of a sugar joined to any of five purine or pyrimidine bases (cytosine, guanine, adenine, thymine, and uracil) and to a phosphate group
Nucleotide
Nucleus
HThe cellular organelle in eukaryotes that contains the genetic material
Nyala
/A deer-like African ruminant.Cf.gemsbok, eland
Ocelot
1A medium-sized American wildcat (Felis pardalis)
Octapeptide
BA protein fragment or molecule that consists of eight amino acids
Oestrus
1The period in which a cow is receptive to a male
Offal
(Internal organs and entrails of animals
Oncogene
A gene, one or more forms of which is associated with cancer.Many oncogenes are involved, directly or indirectly, in controlling the rate of cell growth
Organophosphate or organophosphorous insecticide
any of several synthetic chemical insecticides, based on chemical compounds including phosphate, which affect the nervous system.(DOA)
Organelle
JA specialised part of a cell that performs a distinctive function.(Taber)
Oropharynx
#The central portion of the pharynx
BSmall genus of large, heavily-built African and Arabian antelopes
!Office of Science and Technology
Overlapping clones
See genomic library
Ovine
Of, or relating to, sheep
'P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC)
A vector used to clone DNA fragments (100- to 300-kb insert size; average, 150 kb) in Escherichia coli cells.Based on bacteriophage (a virus) P1 genome.Compare cloning vector
%See P1-derived artificial chromosome
Parenteral
GInoculation by any route other than by the mouth or by the bowel.(BMD)
Parkinson's disease
A chronic progressive nervous disease chiefly of later life that is linked to decreased dopamine production in the brain and is marked by tremor and weakness of resting muscles and by a shuffling gait
Parturition
6The action of giving birth to young; childbirth.(COD)
Passage
The replication of a micro-organism in culture, in a living organism or in a developing egg.In the case of TSEs, the infectious agent is often 'passaged' through successive experimental animals
Pathogen
HA bacterium, virus or other micro-organism that can cause disease.(COD)
Pathogenesis
-The manner of development of a disease.(COD)
Pathology
OThe study of the causes of, and changes produced in the body by, disease.(BMD)
Pattern of disease
TThe physical characteristics (both visible and invisible) of any particular disease
See polymerase chain reaction
Pedigree
)The line of descent of a purebred animal
Peptide
dA compound consisting of two or more amino acids linked in sequence.(COD) Proteins are polypeptides
Peripheral
7By any route other than via the central nervous system
pAA map of the locations of identifiable landmarks on DNA (e.g., restriction enzyme cutting sites, genes), regardless of inheritance.Distance is measured in base pairs.For the human genome, the lowest-resolution physical map is the banding patterns on the 24 different chromosomes; the highest resolution map would be the complete nucleotide sequence of the chromosomes
RAAn ovoid structure, weighing around 0.5 grams in the adult human, attached to the base of the brain, and lying in the depression in the base of the skull - the most important ductless, or endocrine, gland in the body.(BMD).It produces various internal secretions directly or indirectly impinging on most basic body functions.See also hGH
6AAutonomously replicating, extrachromosomal circular DNA molecules, distinct from the normal bacterial genome and nonessential for cell survival under nonselective conditions.Some plasmids are capable of integrating into the host genome.A number of artificially constructed plasmids are used as cloning vectors
bAGenetic disorder resulting from the combined action of alleles of more than one gene (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers).Although such disorders are inherited, they depend on the simultaneous presence of several alleles; thus the hereditary patterns are usually more complex than those of singlegene disorders.Compare single-gene disorders
Public Expenditure Survey
Peyer's patches
An aggregation of lymph nodules on the small intestine.They appear as raised oval areas in mucous tissue, ie, tissues of the membranes which line the intestinal tract, and the submucosal areas, ie, the areas below the mucous membrane
Phage
7A virus for which the natural host is a bacterial cell
Pharmacological
ZThe properties and reactions of drugs especially with relation to their therapeutic value
Pharynx
hThe part of the vertebrate alimentary canal between the cavity of the mouth and the oesophagus (gullet)
Phenol
A corrosive poisonous crystalline derivative of benzene, used as antiseptic and disinfectant and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals
Phenotype
dThe physical characteristics (both visible and invisible) of any particular individual (or disease)
!Public Health Laboratory Service
Phosmet
An OP insecticide used since 1985, poured on the back of an animal.Used on plants as well as animals.Also found in combination with other insecticides such as carbophenothion
Physical map
Physiological
QCharacteristic of, or appropriate to an organism's healthy or normal functioning
Pituitary gland
Plasmid
Point mutation
kA mutation during DNA synthesis that can occur when the wrong base is incorporated into the new DNA strand
Polyanionic glycan
JA complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide) bearing multiple negative charges
Polygenic disorder
QBA method for amplifying a DNA base sequence using a heatstable polymerase and two 20-base primers, one complementary to the (+) strand at one end of the sequence to be amplified and the other complementary to the (-) strand at the other end.Because the newly synthesized DNA strands can subsequently serve as additional templates for the same primer sequences, successive rounds of primer annealing, strand elongation, and dissociation produce rapid and highly specific amplification of the desired sequence.PCR also can be used to detect the existence of the defined sequence in a DNA sample
=AThe occurrence in a population of two or more genetically determined variant forms of a particular characteristic at a frequency where the rarest could not be maintained by recurrent mutation alone.A genetic locus is considered to be polymorphic if the variant form is found in more than 1 per cent of the population
Aa technique used to identify genes, usually those that are associated with diseases, based on their location on a chromosome.This in in contrast to the older, "functional cloning" technique that relies on some knowledge of a gene's protein product.For most diseases, researchers have no such knowledge.For more information, see "Positional Cloning Approach Expedites Gene Hunts" in Human Genome News, 6(6).For a list of inherited disease genes identified by positional cloning, click here
ABProtease-resistant membrane protein, also known as prion protein (PrP)
a normal, host-coded protein that becomes protease-resistant in infected tissue and accumulates around CNS lesions in TSEs.The protease-resistant form PrPSc is a major component of SAFs.Until recently the function of PrP was unknown despite its presence in many different organs and tissues of healthy animals, including the brain.There is evidence that PrP in uninfected animals has the property of mopping up harmful 'oxygen free radicals', or that it carries out some signalling functions between cells
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Polymerase, DNA or RNA
Enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of nucleic acids on preexisting nucleic acid templates, assembling RNA from ribonucleotides or DNA from deoxyribonucleotides
Polymorphism
Difference in DNA sequence among individuals.Genetic variations occurring in more than 1% of a population would be considered useful polymorphisms for genetic linkage analysis.Compare mutation
Polymorphism
Polypeptide
A chain of peptides
Polysaccharide
Linear or branched polymers of simple sugars (monosaccharides).Polysaccharides are often linked to proteins in glycoproteins and confer specific properties to the structure and function of the glycoprotein
Porcine
Of, or characteristic of, pigs
Positional Cloning
Positive-line
A breed or selection line of an animal species which is known to be susceptible to particular strains of a disease agent.Cf.negative-line
Post-mortem
XAn examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death; literally, 'after death'
Post-partum
After birth
Post-translational event
tThe modification of a protein after its synthesis (translation from mRNA), such as glycosylation or phosphorylation
Primate
sAny of an order of mammals (Primates) comprising humans, apes, monkeys, and related forms (as lemurs and tarsiers)
Primer
hShort preexisting polynucleotide chain to which new deoxyribonucleotides can be added by DNA polymerase
Prion protein (PrP)
Prion
See prion protein.The word 'prion' was coined in the 1980s by a rearrangement of elements from proteinaceous infectious particle
sAA large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order; the order is determined by the base sequence of nucleotides in the gene coding for the protein.Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the bodys cells, tissues, and organs, and each protein has unique functions.Examples are hormones, enzymes, and antibodies
R$Fl%
(Human PrP gene located on chromosome 20
Probe
Singlestranded DNA or RNA molecules of specific base sequence, labeled either radioactively or immunologically, that are used to detect the complementary base sequence by hybridization
Progesterone
>A hormone that stimulates the uterus to prepare for pregnancy
Prokaryote
Cell or organism lacking a membrane-bound, structurally discrete nucleus and other subcellular compartments.Bacteria are prokaryotes.Compare eukaryote.See chromosome
Promoter
KA site on DNA to which RNA polymerase will bind and initiate transcription
Prostaglandins
LCompounds with hormone-like effects, such as promoting uterine contractions
Protease
REnzyme that catalyses the splitting of the bonds linking amino acids in a protein
Protein markers
Proteins of known characteristics (eg, weight, glycosylation, etc) that can be used as a standard, or marker, against which unknown proteins can be compared
Protein
A folded chain of amino acids
Protein
Proteinase K
A type of protease
Proteolysis
'The splitting of proteins by proteases
Proteolytic cleavage
The cleavage of proteins between specific amino acid residues to yield distinctive peptide fragments.Proteolytic cleavage can be carried out by both enzymes and other chemicals
PrP gene
OGene found in mammals from which the amino acid sequence of PrPC is determined
PrPc, PrPSen
cPrPCellular
the normal cellular isoform of PrP, also known as PrPSen (for 'sensitive to protease')
PrPSc, PrPRes
PrPScrapie
the abnormal disease-specific isoform of PrP derived post-translationally from PrPC.Also known as PrPResistant PrPSc is a generic term now used for all disease-associated PrP
AProcedure used to join together DNA segments in a cell-free system (an environment outside a cell or organism).Under appropriate conditions, a recombinant DNA molecule can enter a cell and replicate there, either autonomously or after it has become integrated into a cellular chromosome
AProcessing offal and other parts of discarded animal carcasses to make meat and bone meal, and tallow.This is achieved by drying/cooking and separating the solid fraction (protein meals) from the melted liquid fraction (tallow and animal fat).See continuous and batch rendering
Pruritis
Itching
Purine
A nitrogencontaining, double-ring, basic compound that occurs in nucleic acids.The purines in DNA and RNA are adenine and guanine
Pyrimidine
A nitrogen-containing, single-ring, basic compound that occurs in nucleic acids.The pyrimidines in DNA are cytosine and thymine; in RNA, cytosine and uracil
Research and development
Rarecutter enzyme
$See restriction enzyme cutting site
Recessive
gOf diseases which occur only when both chromosomes of a homologous pair carry a particular mutant gene
Recombinant clone
JClone containing recombinant DNA molecules.See recombinant DNA technology
Recombinant DNA molecules
fA combination of DNA molecules of different origin that are joined using recombinant DNA technologies
Recombinant DNA technology
Recombination
The process by which progeny derive a combination of genes different from that of either parent.In higher organisms, this can occur by crossing over
Reduction
The process wherebyz
electrons are added to an atom during a chemical reaction.For example, the reduction of a disulphide bond results in the breaking of that bond
Regulatory region or sequence
2A DNA base sequence that controls gene expression
Render (rendering process)
Resolution
NDegree of molecular detail on a physical map of DNA, ranging from low to high
Restriction enzyme cutting site
A specific nucleotide sequence of DNA at which a particular restriction enzyme cuts the DNA.Some sites occur frequently in DNA (e.g., every several hundred base pairs), others much less frequently (rarecutter; e.g., every 10,000 base pairs)
!Restriction enzyme, endonuclease
A protein that recognizes specific, short nucleotide sequences and cuts DNA at those sites.Bacteria contain over 400 such enzymes that recognize and cut over 100 different DNA sequences.See restriction enzyme cutting site
AVariation between individuals in DNA fragment sizes cut by specific restriction enzymes; polymorphic sequences that result in RFLPs are used as markers on both physical maps and genetic linkage maps.RFLPs are usually caused by mutation at a cutting site.See marker
ZAA chemical found in the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells; it plays an important role in protein synthesis and other chemical activities of the cell.The structure of RNA is similar to that of DNA.There are several classes of RNA molecules, including messenger RNA, transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, and other small RNAs, each serving a different purpose
tv2jBB
0Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
Retropharyngeal
(Of the posterior portion of the pharynx
Ruminant feed ban
-See restriction fragment length polymorphism
Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
Ribonucleotide
See nucleotide
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
/A class of RNA found in the ribosomes of cells
Ribosomes
Small cellular components composed of specialized ribosomal RNA and protein; site of protein synthesis.See ribonucleic acid (RNA)
0A TSE of sheep in Iceland.Equivalent to scrapie
"Ribonucleic acid.See nucleic acid
See ribonucleic acid
Rumen
9The first compartment of the stomach of a ruminant.(DOA)
Ruminant
uAnimal that chews the cud (partly digested food) regurgitated from its rumen, and has a stomach of four compartments
Science and technology
Scrapie-associated fibrils.Abnormal fibrils which can be detected in infected-brain extracts with an electron microscope.The presence of these fibrils is now recognised as one characteristic of TSEs
Saline
A salt solution
AShort (200 to 500 base pairs) DNA sequence that has a single occurrence in the human genome and whose location and base sequence are known.Detectable by polymerase chain reaction, STSs are useful for localizing and orienting the mapping and sequence data reported from many different laboratories and serve as landmarks on the developing physical map of the human genome.Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are STSs derived from cDNAs
ASex chromosome:The X or Y chromosome in human beings that determines the sex of an individual.Females have two X chromosomes in diploid cells; males have an X and a Y chromosome.The sex chromosomes comprise the 23rd chromosome pair in a karyotype.Compare autosome
3BSequencing method which involves randomly sequencing tiny cloned pieces of the genome, with no foreknowledge of where on a chromosome the piece originally came from.This can be contrasted with "directed" strategies, in which pieces of DNA from adjacent stretches of a chromosome are sequenced.Directed strategies eliminate the need for complex reassembly techniques.Because there are advantages to both strategies, researchers expect to use both random (or shotgun) and directed strategies in combination to sequence the human genome.See library, genomic library
AMouse gene that regulates the incubation period of natural and experimental scrapie and other TSE agents.Its gene product (PrP) is postulated as the agent replication site in the virino hypothesis or as the precursor of infectious proteins in the prion theory
@j|J<-
Specified Bovine Offal
Scarification
Shallow incisions in the skin
Sciatic nerve
Either of the pair of largest nerves in the body that arise one on each side from the nerve plexus supplying the posterior limb and pelvic region and that pass out of the pelvis and down the back of the thigh
Scrapie
A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy endemic in British sheep and found in many parts of the world.Also found in goats.Can be transmitted naturally or experimentally to other animals such as mice.The experimental model for work on TSEs
Spongiform encephalopathy
-Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee
Seizures
2A sudden manifestation or recurrence of a disease
Sequence tagged site (STS)
Sequence
See base sequence
Sequencing
}Determination of the order of nucleotides (base sequences) in a DNA or RNA molecule or the order of amino acids in a protein
Serum
@The clear liquid that separates from blood when clotting occurs
$Scottish Home and Health Department
Shotgun method
Sinc gene
Single-gene disorder
Hereditary disorder caused by a mutant allele of a single gene (e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy, retinoblastoma, sickle cell disease).Compare polygenic disorders
AA vegetable or animal product in its natural state, fresh or preserved, and any single product derived from the industrial processing thereof, and any single organic or inorganic substance, whether or not it contains any additive, intended as such for oral animal feeding
?AMicro-organisms identical in antigenicity or other features which distinguish them from other related organisms.With TSEs antigenicity is not relevant.For example, scrapie strains can be distinguished by relative lengths of incubation in specific PrP genotypes and/or the type and pattern of lesions in affected brains
Sip gene
Sheep gene that regulates the incubation period of natural and experimental scrapie
the version of the sinc gene in sheep (see above)
Sodium metaperiodate
4A powerful oxidising chemical used for disinfection
Somatic cell
+A cell which is not a 'germ cell' (gamete)
Somatic cell
9Any cell in the body except gametes and their precursors
Southern blotting
Transfer by absorption of DNA fragments separated in electrophoretic gels to membrane filters for detection of specific base sequences by radiolabeled complementary probes
SPECT
Single photon emission computed tomography.A neuroimaging technique which shows cross section images of the brain.Unlike MRI, which depicts anatomy, SPECT scanning provides information on brain function
Spinal cord
mPart of the central nervous system that lies protected by the vertebrae, and from which spinal nerves emerge
Spinocerebellar
"Of the spinal cord and cerebellum
Spleen
_An organ of the lymphoreticular system (LRS).Major site of replication of TSEs in some species
Splenectomy
Surgical removal of the spleen
Spongiform encephalopathy (SE)
See TSE
Sporadic disease
GOccurring in single cases here and there, as distinct from an epidemic
ss-DNA
jSingle-stranded DNA, ie, not in the form of a double helix, proposed to be part of the nemavirus particle
Stereotactic electrodes
Electrodes used in neurosurgery to stimulate specific areas of the brain.The electrodes are mounted on apparatus that allow precise positioning
!Straight feedstuff ('straights')
Strains
EAA product of the rendering process.It usually refers to the fat produced by rendering and covers the whole range of different products from human food to animal feed and technical greases or, after processing by the soap and oleochemical industries, products as diverse as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, paints and car tyres
Strain-typing
The identification of, in this case, different TSEs by ascertaining the length of incubation period and the pattern of disease in the experimental host
See sequence tagged site
Subacute
(Of a disease, between acute and chronic
#Subclinical (as subclinical state)
NWhen a disease has not progressed far enough to show clear signs and symptoms
Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection
Injection under the skin
Submaxillary salivary gland
0Salivary gland located deep behind the jaw bone
Substrate
1A substance acted upon, for example by an enzyme
Suspension
oThe state of a solid when its particles are mixed with, but not dissolved in, a fluid or another solid.(Taber)
Sympathetic nerve
A part of the autonomic nervous system which is concerned mainly with the movements and other functions of the internal organs, secretory glands and blood vessels, the activities of which proceed independently of the will
Systemic
Affecting the body generally
Tallow
Tandem repeat sequences
`Multiple copies of the same base sequence on a chromosome; used as a marker in physical mapping
Tau protein
rProteins which stabilise elements of the cell's structure.Tau protein has been used as a marker for BSE infection
Technology transfer
wThe process of converting scientific findings from research laboratories into useful products by the commercial sector
Telomere
The end of a chromosome.This specialized structure is involved in the replication and stability of linear DNA molecules.See DNA replication
Thorax
Chest (hence thoracic)
ODThe quality of being poisonous, especially the degree of adverse affects.The severity of toxicity produced by any chemical is directly proportional to the exposure concentration and the exposure time.This relationship varies with the developmental stage of an organism and with its physiological status.Acute toxicity
adverse effects occurring within a short time of administration of a single dose of a chemical, or immediately following short or continuous exposure, or multiple doses over 48 hours or less.Subacute (subchronic) toxicity
adverse effects occurring as a result of repeated daily dosing of a chemical, or exposure to the chemical, for part of an organism's lifespan (usually not exceeding 10 per cent).With experimental animals, the period of exposure may range from a few days to six months.Chronic toxicity
adverse effects occurring as a result of repeated daily dosing of a chemical, or exposure to the chemical, for part of an organism's lifespan (usually not exceeding 19 per cent).With experimental animals, this usually means a period of exposure of more than three months.(IPCS)
?AA class of RNA having structures with triplet nucleotide sequences that are complementary to the triplet nucleotide coding sequences of mRNA.The role of tRNAs in protein synthesis is to bond with amino acids and transfer them to the ribosomes, where proteins are assembled according to the genetic code carried by mRNA
_AThe experimental outcome of primary experimental transmission of a naturally occurring TSE to another animal species, where the strain or strains involved in the experimental infection remain to be identified.This first passage of experimental material may then be further passaged in a series and lead to the identification of the strain(s) involved
Thymine (T)
DA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adeninethymine)
Thymus gland
A lymphoid organ situated towards the front of the chest area, the thymus produces a class of white blood cells, known as T-cells, for the immune response.An SBO.Also known as sweetbread in ruminants
Titration
A process used in chemistry to ascertain the amount of a substance in a solution by measuring the volume of a standard reagent required to react with it
Titre
A measure of concentration of a substance.In this Report, an estimate of the concentration of a TSE agent in a tissue or tissue sub-fraction
5Transmissible mink encephalopathy, ie, a TSE in mink
Toxicity
Tracheal
&Relating to the trachea, the windpipe
Transcription
tThe synthesis of an RNA copy from a sequence of DNA (a gene); the first step in gene expression.Compare translation
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
Transformation
A process by which the genetic material carried by an individual cell is altered by incorporation of exogenous DNA into its genome
Transgenic
Genetically engineered animals, bred by a technique in which whole genes or parts of genes from one animal are inserted experimentally into the genes of the embryos of another.For example, mice can be given the PrP gene from hamsters
Translation
The process in which the genetic code carried by mRNA directs the synthesis of proteins from amino acids.Compare transcription
Transmission
EThe passage of infectious micro-organisms from one animal to another
Trigeminal ganglia
IA cluster of neurons which supply motor and sensory function to the face
See transfer RNA
TSE isolate
]AA vacuole is any space or cavity found within or between cells in any type of tissue.In TSEs several types of intra-cellular vacuoles can be present in the brain.Vacuolation is thus the development of characteristic vacuoles in the brain.Assessment of the locations, severity and types of vacuolation is used in distinguishing different TSE strains
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.Disease of the neurological system.Spongy degeneration of the brain with progressive dementia.Examples in humans include CJD and kuru.Among animals
scrapie, CWD, TME and BSE.(BMD)
Tubulofilament
GTerm used to describe the structure of the putative nemavirus particle
UKASTA
)UK Agricultural Supply Trade Association
Ungulate
Any hoofed animal
Uracil
lA nitrogenous base normally found in RNA but not DNA; uracil is capable of forming a base pair with adenine
Uric acid
DA crystalline, sparingly soluble substance found in blood and urine
Vaccination
~Treatment with an antigenic preparation used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against a disease
Vacuole/vacuolation
Vagus nerve
Either of the 10th pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibres
Valine
,An essential amino acid.See also methionine
Variant CJD (vCJD)
New variant CJD.Identified in 1996 as a previously unrecognised form of CJD, having a novel pathology and consistent disease pattern.Exposure to BSE is the most likely explanation for the emergence of the disease.It is now known as vCJD (variant CJD).
Vector
See cloning vector
Vegetative dysfunction
The abnormal functioning of the autonomic nervous system which acts in an involuntary manner, to a large extent independently of the brain and spinal cord
Vertical transmission
1From parent to offspring.Cf.lateral transmission
!Veterinary Investigation Centres
-Veterinary Investigation Diagnostic Analysis
AA noncellular biological entity that can reproduce only within a host cell.Viruses consist of nucleic acid covered by protein; some animal viruses are also surrounded by membrane.Inside the infected cell, the virus uses the synthetic capability of the host to produce progeny virus
Virino
A hybrid between a protective host protein (PrP) and a replicable informational molecule, independent of the host, that is either an untranslated nucleic acid or a novel analogue
Virus
Virus
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites consisting of DNA or RNA enclosed in a protein coat.They range in diameter from 20 to 300 nanometres (a nanometre is one thousand millionth of a metre)
Veterinary Laboratories Agency
NVery large scale integration allowing more than 100,000 transistors on a chip
Weanling
`A young animal whose mother's milk has recently been replaced by some other form of nourishment
Western blot
ISee immunoblot.The western blot method is used specifically for proteins
See yeast artificial chromosome
"Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)
A vector used to clone DNA fragments (up to 400 kb); it is constructed from the telomeric, centromeric, and replication origin sequences needed for replication in yeast cells.Compare cloning vector
"DATA.APPb@
Table1
Term:
Descr.:
Biotechnology Glossary
Nby Dr. R
bbe W
nschiers
http.//members.tripod.de/roebbe/
rw@biowasserstoff.de
)Advisory Board for the Research Councils
ACARD
6Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development
Acetylethyleneimine
*A solvent capable of inactivating viruses
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
A common bacterium found in large quantities in the soil, sewage and water supplies.Proposed in the autoimmune theory as a possible cause of BSE
ACOST
+Advisory Council on Science and Technology
Alzheimer's disease
.Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
Adenine (A)
DA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adeninethymine)
Adjuvant
8A substance enhancing the immune response to an antigen
Aetiology
)Study of the causes or origin of disease
'Agricultural and Food Research Council
Agalactia
HPartial or complete absence of milk, or milk flow, from the udder.(BMD)
Agent
A substance or organism that exerts some effect, eg, of disease.The term has a long-standing use in TSE research as being a neutral one which avoids terms used for common pathogens
Artificial insemination
Aliquot
A portion of a larger whole
Sketch
&Paint.app
Biotechnology Glossary
by Dr. R
bbe W
nschiers
http.//members.tripod.de/roebbe/
)Advisory Board for the Research Councils
ACARD
6Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development
Acetylethyleneimine
*A solvent capable of inactivating viruses
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
A common bacterium found in large quantities in the soil, sewage and water supplies.Proposed in the autoimmune theory as a possible cause of BSE
ACOST
+Advisory Council on Science and Technology
Alzheimer's disease
.Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
Adenine (A)
DA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adeninethymine)
Adjuvant
8A substance enhancing the immune response to an antigen
Aetiology
)Study of the causes or origin of disease
'Agricultural and Food Research Council
Agalactia
HPartial or complete absence of milk, or milk flow, from the udder.(BMD)
Agent
A substance or organism that exerts some effect, eg, of disease.The term has a long-standing use in TSE research as being a neutral one which avoids terms used for common pathogens
Artificial insemination
Aliquot
A portion of a larger whole
Sketch
&Paint.app
Biotechnology Glossary
http.//members.tripod.de/roebbe/
)Advisory Board for the Research Councils
ACARD
6Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development
Acetylethyleneimine
*A solvent capable of inactivating viruses
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
A common bacterium found in large quantities in the soil, sewage and water supplies.Proposed in the autoimmune theory as a possible cause of BSE
ACOST
+Advisory Council on Science and Technology
Alzheimer's disease
.Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
Adenine (A)
DA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adeninethymine)
Adjuvant
8A substance enhancing the immune response to an antigen
Aetiology
)Study of the causes or origin of disease
'Agricultural and Food Research Council
Agalactia
HPartial or complete absence of milk, or milk flow, from the udder.(BMD)
Agent
A substance or organism that exerts some effect, eg, of disease.The term has a long-standing use in TSE research as being a neutral one which avoids terms used for common pathogens
Artificial insemination
Aliquo
A portion of a larger whole
Sketch
&Paint.app
Biotechnology Glossary
For newer versions goto
http://members.tripod.de/roebbe
)Advisory Board for the Research Councils
ACARD
6Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development
Acetylethyleneimine
*A solvent capable of inactivating viruses
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
A common bacterium found in large quantities in the soil, sewage and water supplies.Proposed in the autoimmune theory as a possible cause of BSE
ACOST
+Advisory Council on Science and Technology
Alzheimer's disease
.Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
Adenine (A)
DA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adeninethymine)
Adjuvant
8A substance enhancing the immune response to an antigen
Aetiology
)Study of the causes or origin of disease
'Agricultural and Food Research Council
Agalactia
HPartial or complete absence of milk, or milk flow, from the udder.(BMD)
Agent
A substance or organism that exerts some effect, eg, of disease.The term has a long-standing use in TSE research as being a neutral one which avoids terms used for common pathogens
Artificial insemination
Aliquot
A portion of a larger whole
Sketch
&Paint.app
Biotechnology Glossary v1.2
For newer versions goto
http://members.tripod.de/roebbe
)Advisory Board for the Research Councils
ACARD
6Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development
Acetylethyleneimine
*A solvent capable of inactivating viruses
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
A common bacterium found in large quantities in the soil, sewage and water supplies.Proposed in the autoimmune theory as a possible cause of BSE
ACOST
+Advisory Council on Science and Technology
Alzheimer's disease
.Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
Adenine (A)
DA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adeninethymine)
Adjuvant
8A substance enhancing the immune response to an antigen
Aetiology
)Study of the causes or origin of disease
'Agricultural and Food Research Council
Agalactia
HPartial or complete absence of milk, or milk flow, from the udder.(BMD)
Agent
A substance or organism that exerts some effect, eg, of disease.The term has a long-standing use in TSE research as being a neutral one which avoids terms used for common pathogens
Artificial insemination
Aliquot
A portion of a larger whole
You are free to use and distribute the file. Please notify me whenever you improve the data or y
ou place the file for download somewhere (Internet, ROM, etc.). That helps to keep the glossary up to date. I very much like your contribution! Email it to glossary@biowasserstoff.de
For newer versions goto
http://members.tripod.de/roebbe
Sketch
&Paint.app
Biotechnology Glossary v1.2
)Advisory Board for the Research Councils
ACARD
6Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development
Acetylethyleneimine
*A solvent capable of inactivating viruses
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
A common bacterium found in large quantities in the soil, sewage and water supplies.Proposed in the autoimmune theory as a possible cause of BSE
ACOST
+Advisory Council on Science and Technology
Alzheimer's disease
.Agricultural Development and Advisory Service
Adenine (A)
DA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adeninethymine)
Adjuvant
8A substance enhancing the immune response to an antigen
Aetiology
)Study of the causes or origin of disease
'Agricultural and Food Research Council
Agalactia
HPartial or complete absence of milk, or milk flow, from the udder.(BMD)
Agent
A substance or organism that exerts some effect, eg, of disease.The term has a long-standing use in TSE research as being a neutral one which avoids terms used for common pathogens
(.txt)