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A substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Common allergens include ragweed pollen, animal dander, and mold.

Pertaining to an allele, an alternative form of a gene. A single allele is inherited from each parent.

An alternative form of a gene.

In chemistry, a group of atoms derived from an alkane (a hydrocarbon with no carbon-to-carbon multiple bonds) by the loss of a hydrogen atom.

A genetic metabolic disorder due to deficiency of the enzyme homogentisic acid (HGA) dioxygenase. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to the three cardinal features of alkaptonuria (the presence of homogentisic acid in the urine), ochronosis (bluish-black pigmentation in connective tissue), and arthritis. Urine that turns dark is a characteristic feature.

Relatively too much base in the blood and body, an abnormal condition resulting from the accumulation of base or the depletion of acid. The pH of an alkalotic body measures above normal. The opposite of alkalosis is acidosis.

A medication in a class of anticancer drugs that inhibit cancer cell growth by stopping cell division (mitosis). The vinca alkaloids are also called antimitotic or antimicrotubule agents, or mitotic inhibitors. They were originally derived from the common periwinkle plant, have been synthesized, and include vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine and vinorelbine.

A member of a large group of chemicals that are made by plants and have nitrogen in them. Many alkaloids possess potent pharmacologic effects. The alkaloids include cocaine, nicotine, strychnine, caffeine, morphine, pilocarpine, atropine, methamphetamine, mescaline, ephedrine, and tryptamine.

Water that has a high pH level than normal drinking water. The pH of pure water is neutral at 7.0. Alkaline water has a higher pH and may be produced with additives or may be naturally sourced from springs or wells. Alkaline water has been marketed with the claim that drinking it can neutralize acid…

An enzyme that liberates phosphate under alkaline conditions and is made in liver, bone, and other tissues. Alkaline phosphatase can be measured in a routine blood test. Abnormally high serum levels of alkaline phosphatase may indicate bone disease, liver disease, or bile duct obstruction.