Selenocysteine
An amino acid in which selenium takes the place of sulfur in the amino acid cysteine. Its formula is H-Se-CH2-CH(NH2)-COOH. Selenocysteine is an essential component of selenium-containing proteins, or selenoproteins.
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A peculiar class of proteins that contain the essential trace element selenium. The selenium in these proteins is in the amino acid selenocysteine.
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“autos” (self) and “phobos” (fear) = literally, self-fear, fear of oneself. “Autos” has given us many English words such as “automatic” and “automotive” (self-moving) and “autonomy” (self-governing). And “phobos” has bequeathed us a vast number of phobias such as “claustrophobia” (fear of closed places) and “acrophobia” (fear of heights).
- Selfish operon
A hypothesis according to which the clustering of genes and their subsequent organization into operons is beneficial to the constituent genes because it enables the transfer of functionally coupled genes, genes involved in the same biosynthetic pathway. The selfish operon hypothesis may or may not prove true in microbial genetics but it is surely not […]
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The largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve begins from nerve roots in the lumbar part of the spinal cord (in the low back) and extends through the buttock area to send nerve endings down to the legs. Pain resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve is called sciatica. The pain is typically felt […]
- Schwartz-Jampel syndrome
A syndrome characterized by short stature, blepharophimosis (horizontal narrowing of the eye slits), joint limitation, and myotonia (prolonged muscle contractions with a delay in relaxation). Certain subtypes of SJS are now recognized. Type IA becomes apparent later in childhood and is less severe. Type IB is apparent immediately at birth and is more severe . […]