M

Macrophage

Any of the large phagocytic cells of the reticuloendothelial system. Bloodline

Mannitol

A white, crystalline, water-soluble, slightly sweet alcohol, C6H8(OH)6, used as a dietary supplement and dietetic sweetener and in medical tests of renal function.

Marker

A gene with a known location on a chromosome and a clear-cut phenotype, used as a point of reference when mapping a new mutant.

Mast Cell

A cell found in connective tissue that contains numerous basophilic granules and releases substances such as heparin and histamine in response to injury or inflammation of bodily tissues.

Mitogen

An agent that induces mitosis.

Molecule

The smallest particle of a substance that retains the chemical and physical properties of the substance and is composed of two or more atoms; a group of like or different atoms held together by chemical forces.

Monoclonal Antibody (mAb)

Any of the highly specific antibodies produced in large quantity by the clones of a single hybrid cell formed in the laboratory by the fusion of a B cell with a tumor cell. They can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. They can be used alone, or used to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to the tumor cells.

Monocyte

A large, circulating, phagocytic white blood cell, having a single well-defined nucleus and very fine granulation in the cytoplasm. Monocytes constitute from 3 to 8 percent of the white blood cells in humans. Bloodline

Mutation

A defect or change in a gene.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

See heart attack