A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
M
N
P
R
S
T
U
V
X

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins. The unique sequence of amino acids in a chain defines the character of a protein molecule.

Angiogenesis

The process by which the body forms and develops new blood vessels. Angiogenesis can be both beneficial and harmful; while it can be used to stimulate development of new blood vessels to fight clogged arteries, it also allows malignant tumors to increase in size. Angiogenesis is a key area of cancer research.

Antibody

A component of the body’s immune response. A Y-shaped protein, it is secreted in response to an antigenic stimulus. It neutralizes the antigen by binding to it.

Antigen

Any substance, almost always a protein, not normally present in the body that when introduced to the body stimulates a specific immune response and the production of antibodies.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that may occur in multicellular organisms. Programmed cell death involves a series of biochemical events leading to characteristic cell changes and death. Apoptosis is a key area of cancer research.

Aseptic

Describes a product or method free of microbiological organisms that would lead to contamination.

Assay

A test procedure whereby a property or concentration of a substance is measured.

Autoimmune Disorders

Diseases whereby an individual’s immune system mounts an attack on a portion of its own tissues. Tissues undergoing such an attack can be destroyed in the process.