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combinatorial:
Describes any process that is governed by a specific combination
of factors (rather than by any single factor), with different
combinations having different effects.
complement:
System of serum proteins activated by antibody-antigen complexes
or by microorganisms. Helps eliminate pathogenic microorganisms
by directly causing their lysis or by promoting their phagocytosis.
complementary DNA (cDNA):
DNA molecule made as a copy of mRNA and therefore lacking the
introns that are present in genomic DNA. Used to determine the
amino acid sequence of a protein by DNA sequencing or to make
the protein in large quantities by cloning followed by expression.
complementary nucleotide sequence:
Two nucleic acid sequences are said to be complementary if they
can form a perfect base-paired double helix with each other.
Complex:
Assembly of molecules that are held together by noncovalent
bonds. Protein complexes perform most cell functions.
conformation:
Spatial location of the atoms of a molecule - for example, the
precise shape of a protein or other macromolecule in three dimensions.
connective tissue:
Any supporting tissue that lies between other tissues and consists
of cells embedded in a relatively large amount of extracellular
matrix. Includes bone, cartilage, and loose connective tissue.
connexon:
Water-filled pore in the plasma membrane formed by a ring of
six protein subunits. Part of a gap junction: connexons from
two adjoining cells join to form a continuous channel between
the two cells.
consensus sequence:
Average or most typical form of a sequence that is reproduced
with minor variations in a group of related DNA, RNA, or protein
sequences. The consensus sequence shows the nucleotide or amino
acid most often found at each position. The preservation of
a consensus implies that the sequence is functionally important.
constitutive:
Produced in constant amount; opposite of regulated. Constitutive
secretion, for example, occurs continuously without requiring
an external stimulus.
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