Molecular Biology Glossary

verb to combine or mix together again

• Scientists are studying how to recombine different genetic materials to create new hybrid species.
• I heard you can recombine different flavors of ice cream at that new shop downtown.
• Let's recombine our playlists and make one awesome mixtape.
• In order to solve this complex problem, we need to recombine our thinking and approach it from a different angle.

noun Another noun entry is included because 'radical' is also a noun, meaning a group of atoms behaving as a single unit in a chemical reaction.

• The chemist identified the presence of an acid radical in the compound.
• The scientist found an acid radical in the mixture.
• Yo, check it out, there's some acid radical in this stuff.
• Her words had an acid radical effect on him, leaving a lasting impact.

noun a shortened form of the word 'accounting'

• The scientist analyzed the DNA sequences using the four nucleotide bases: adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine (ACTG).
• I learned in biology class that DNA is made up of ACTG.
• My friend said he can't remember the order of ACTG in DNA, so he made up a funny acronym to help him remember.
• In the world of genetics, each letter in ACTG represents a key to unlocking the mysteries of life.

noun a chemical group derived from an organic acid by removal of a hydroxyl group

• The acyl group is a functional group derived from carboxylic acids by the removal of a hydroxyl group.
• Scientists are studying the role of acyl groups in various chemical reactions.
• I heard acyls are important in making certain types of compounds.
• The acyl group acts like a key that unlocks the potential of the molecule.