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M phase:
Period of the eucaryotic cell cycle during which the nucleus
and cytoplasm divide.
M-phase-promoting factor:
see MPF
macromolecule:
Molecule such as a protein, nucleic acid, or polysaccharide with
a molecular mass greater than a few thousand daltons. (Macro from
Greek makros, large.)
macrophage:
White blood cell that is specialized for the uptake of particulate
material by phagocytosis.
malignant:
Describes tumors and tumor cells that are invasive and/or able
to undergo metasis; a malignant tumor is a cancer.
major histocompatibility complex:
see MHC
MAP (microtubule-associated protein):
Any protein that binds to microtubules and modifies their properties.
Many different kinds have been found, including structural proteins,
such as MAP-2, and motor proteins, such as dynein.
MAP kinase (mitogen-activated protein
kinase):
A protein kinase that performs a crucial step in relaying signals
from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Turned on by a wide
range of proliferation- or differentiation-inducing signals.
mast cell:
Widely distributed tissue cell that releases histamine as part
of an inflammatory response. Closely related to blood basophils.
mega- :
Prefix denoting 1E6. (From Greek megas, huge, powerful.)
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