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Glossary

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F (no definitions) H (no definitions) I (no definitions) J (no definitions) K (no definitions)
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%GC
How much of the DNA is made up of the guanine and cytosine bases.
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A

Annealing
The binding of a complementary sequence to DNA.
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B

Biophysics
An area of science looking at the physical properties of biological molecules
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C

Concentration

The strength of a solution given in molarity (M). µM is x10-6 of M, mM is x10-3 of M.

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D

Denaturation
When double stranded DNA becomes single stranded most commonly by heating.
Dichroism

Two colours

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid: A linear molecule found in the nucleus of the cell and contains the building blocks of life

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

An instrument that measures the size of small particles

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E

Emma Gilroy
A Chemistry PhD student studying at Warwick university.
Exon
The part of DNA which contains the information to create proteins.
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G

Genetics
The study of hereditary and how DNA relates to genes.
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L

Ligand

A molecule that can bind to another.

Linear Dichroism
Spectropolarimeter that uses light polarised in two directions (parallel and perpendicular) to the sample to measure the absorbance difference.
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M

Microsatellite
Section of DNA that contains a repeat of the same bases. These can differ between individuals.
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P

PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction: A method for copying DNA
Porphyrin

A large molecule containing four rings that can bind to a metal ion in the middle.

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R

Rheology
The study of the flow and friction of fluids.
Rheometer
An instrument that measures the flow of fluids
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S

Spectra/spectrum
Spectrum means image. It is a way of viewing results over a range of colours of light (wavelength)
Spectropolarimeter
An instrument that measures the properties of polarised light.
Synchrotron
Cyclic particle accelerator
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T

Thermophile
Found at high temperature (thermo=heat, phile=like)
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V

Viscometer
An instrument that measures the viscosity of a fluid.
Viscosity
The measurement of the movement and thickness of a fluid
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