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immortalization:
Production of a cell line capable of an unlimited number of cell
divisions. Can be the result of a chemical or viral transformation
or of fusion with cells of a tumor line.
immune response:
Response made by the immune system of a vertebrate when a foreign
substance or microorganism enters its body.
immune system:
Population of lymphocytes and other white blood cells in the vertebrate
body that defends it against infection.
immunoglobulin (Ig):
An antibody molecule. Higher vertebrates have five classes of
immunoglobulin - IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM - each with a different
role in the immune response.
immunoglobulin like (Ig-like) domain:
Characteristic protein domain of about 100 amino acids that is
found in antibody molecules and in many other proteins that form
the Ig superfamily.
in situ hybridization:
Technique in which a single-stranded RNA or DNA probe is used
to locate a gene or an mRNA molecule in a cell or tissue. (See
also hybridization.)
in vitro:
Term used by biochemists to describe a process taking place in
an isolated cell-free extract. Also used by cell biologists to
refer to cells growing in culture (in vitro), as opposed
to in an organism (in vivo). (Latin for "in glass.")
in vivo:
In an intact cell or organism. (Latin for "in life.")
induction (embryonic):
Change in the developmental fate of one tissue caused by an interaction
with another tissue.
inflammatory response:
Local response of a tissue to injury or infection. Caused by invasion
of white blood cells, which release various local mediators such
as histamine.
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