A term used to describe the configuration of a DNA molecule. The helix consists of two spiraling strands of nucleotides held together with chemical bonds. A bacterium commonly found in the intestinal tracts of most vertebrates. It is used extensively in recombinant DNA research because it has been genetically well characterized. Enzyme A protein that accelerates the rate of chemical reactions.
Enzymes are catalysts that promote reactions repeatedly, without being damaged by the reactions.
Eukaryote An organism whose genetic material is located within a nucleus. Yeast, fungi, protozoans, plants and animals are eukaryotes. The physical manifestation of the information contained in a gene. Fermentation A process of growing microorganisms to produce various chemical or pharmaceutical compounds. Microbes are usually incubated under specific conditions in large tanks called fermenters.