Glossary

A receptor is a protein molecule on the surface of a cell that can bind to a specific molecule, such as a hormone, neurotransmitter, or drug, and transmit a signal to the inside of the cell. Receptors play a crucial role in many physiological processes, including sensory perception, hormone signaling, and immune response.

The amount of air left in the lungs after expiration.

Ribonucleic acid is a type of nucleic acid that is involved in the synthesis of proteins in the body. It is transcribed from DNA and carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes, where it is translated into protein. RNA also plays other important roles in gene expression and regulation.

The structure containing RNA and its bound proteins.

A complex of rRNA and protein molecules that functions as a site of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm; consists of a large and a small subunit.

The likelihood of a hazard occurring.

A mechanism for silencing the expression of specific genes. In RNAi, double-stranded RNA molecules that match the sequence of a particular gene are processed into siRNAs that either block translation or trigger the degradation of the gene’s messenger RNA. This happens naturally in some cells, and can be carried out in laboratory experiments as well.

An RNA targeted drug is a medication that is designed to specifically target and modulate the function of RNA molecules, such as messenger RNA (mRNA) or microRNA (miRNA), in order to treat or prevent disease. RNA targeted drugs are a promising area of research for a wide range of conditions, including cancer, genetic disorders, and viral infections.