Membrane-Attack Complex (MAC): A large cylindrical multiprotein complex formed by the complement system; kills invading microorganisms by embedding in their plasma membrane, creating a pore through which fiuid fiows, ultimately causing the cell to burst.

 

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Membrane-Attack Complex (MAC): A large cylindrical multiprotein complex formed by the complement system; kills invading microorganisms by embedding in their plasma membrane, creating a pore through which fiuid fiows, ulti . . . View Full Definition

Media Access Control (MAC) Address: In networking, MAC Address refers to the globally unique hardware address of an Ethernet network interface card.

High Spin Complex: A metal-ligand complex with the same number of unpaired electrons as the uncomplexed metal ion. When a weak ligand complexes the metal ion, the crystal field splitting is small and the elect . . . View Full Definition

Low Spin Complex: A metal-ligand complex with fewer unpaired electrons than the uncomplexed metal ion. When a strong ligand complexes the metal ion, the crystal field splitting is large and some electrons pai . . . View Full Definition

Mesoscale Convective Complex (MCC): A large mesoscale convective system (MCS) which is about the size of the state of Ohio or Iowa and lasts at least 6 hours. Generally forming during the afternoon and evening, the complex nor . . . View Full Definition

Oedipus Complex: Attachment of the child to the parent of the opposite sex, accompanied by envious and aggressive feelings toward the parent of the same sex. These feelings are largely repressed (i.e., made . . . View Full Definition

Oedipal Complex: The late Victorian and early twentieth-century psychologist Freud argued that male children, jealous of sharing their mother's attention with a father-figure, would come to possess a subcons . . . View Full Definition

Golgi Complex: Organelles in animal cells composed of a series of fiattened sacs that sort, chemically modify, and package proteins produced on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Complexometric Titration: A titration based on a reaction between a ligand and a metal ion to form a complex. For example, free Ca2+ in milk powder can be determined by titrating a milk powder sample with EDTA soluti . . . View Full Definition

Complex Life Cycle: A life cycle that consists of several distinct stages (e.g., larva and adult)