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Macrophage A type of white blood cell produced in blood
vessels and loose connective tissues that can ingest
dead tissues and cells and is involved in producing
interleukin-1. When exposed to the lymphokine
macrophage-activating factor, macrophages also kill
tumor cells. See also Phagocyte.
Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) A
natural hormone that stimulates the production
of white blood cells, particularly monocytes (the
precursors of macrophages).
Medium A substance containing nutrients needed for cell
growth.
Meiosis Process of cell reproduction whereby the
daughter cells have half the chromosome number
of the parent cells. Sex cells are formed by meiosis.
Compare Mitosis.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) Nucleic acid that carries
instructions to a ribosome for the synthesis of a
particular protein.
Metabolism All biochemical activities carried out by an
organism to maintain life.
Microbial herbicides and pesticides Microorganisms
that are toxic to specific plants or insects. Because of
their narrow host range and limited toxicity, these
microorganisms may be preferable to their chemical
counterparts for certain pest-control applications.
Microbiology Study of living organisms that can be seen
only under a microscope.
Microinjection The injection of DNA using a very fine
needle into a cell.
Microorganism Any organism that can be seen only with
the aid of a microscope. Also called microbe.
Mitosis Process of cell reproduction whereby the
daughter cells are identical in chromosome number to
the parent cells. Compare Meiosis.
Molecular genetics Study of how genes function to
control cellular activities.
Monoclonal antibody (MAb) Highly specific, purified
antibody that is derived from only one clone of cells
and recognizes only one antigen. See also Hybridoma;
Myeloma.
Monocytes One of three types of white blood cells.
Monocytes are precursors to macrophages.
Multigenic Of hereditary characteristics, one that is
specified by several genes.
Mutagen A substance that induces mutations.
Mutant A cell that manifests new characteristics due to a
change in its DNA.
Mutation A change in the genetic material of a cell.
Myeloma A type of cancer cell (plasma cell) that is used in
monoclonal antibody technology to form hybridomas.
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