 |
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
| • HOME • ABOUT • CATEGORIES • USE OF TEXT AND IMAGES • NEWSLETTER   
|
interferon
A small molecular weight protein (about 30,000) secreted by cells in response to the presence of foreign double stranded RNA (e.g., viruses). Interferons then act on infected cells stimulating them to produce a protein which prevents replication of the RNA in these cells. They were discovered by Alick Isaacs and Jean Lindenmann in 1957. Human cells produce at least a dozen different types of interferon.
Related category
• BIOCHEMISTRYAlso on this site:
Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History