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D

Disinfectant

a chemical used to control, prevent and destroy pathogens present on inanimate objects - although it is not usually active against bacterial spores. The process does not necessarily kill all micro-organisms, but reduces then to a level acceptable for a defined purpose, for example a level which is considered not harmful to health. (Note, the difference between “disinfectants” and “antiseptics” which are applied to living tissues.)


Disinfection

the removal or inactivation of pathogenic micro-organisms but not necessarily of bacterial spores


Disinhibited

to loose inhibitions and become exited


Diuresis

increased amount of urine produced


Diuretics

drugs used to increase the production of urine by the kidneys and so reduce water retention in the body


DNA

deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material found inside the nucleus of the cell


DNA gyrase

enzyme that controls coiling and uncoiling of DNA


DNA polymerase

enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of new DNA molecules


Dominant gene

a gene whose characteristics are always present in the phenotype, in homozygous and heterozygous individuals. It is represented with a capital letter, e.g. B.


Dosemeter

a device for monitoring exposure to X-rays


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