Curing
The elimination of a plasmid from its host cell. Many agents which interfere with DNA replication, e.g. Ethidium bromide, can cure plasmids from either bacterial or eukaryotic cells.

Cut
Slang to make a double –stranded break in DNA, usually with a type II restriction endonuclease. E.g., “The DNA was cut with EcoRI and run out on a 1% agarose gel.”cf nick; cleave.

Cybernetic
Systems which change in response to feedback

Cybird
A cytoplasmic hybrid, originating from the fusion of  a cytoplast (the cytoplasm without nucleus)with a whole cells, as in nuclear transfer (although the term is not used in that context). Note that the nucleus and cytoplasm of the  fused cell  products are from different genetic sources.

Cyclic AMP
(cyclic adenosine monophosphate) A messengerthat regulates many intracellular reactions by transducing signals from extracellular growth factors to celluar metabolic pathways.

Cyclodextrin
Cyclic polymer of dextrose.

Cytokine
In immunology, any of many soluable molecules that cells produce to control reactions between other cells.

Cytokinesis
Cytoplasmic division and other changes exclusive of nuclear division that are a part of mitosis or meiosis. See cell division.

Cytokinin
Plant growth regulations (hormones)characterized as substances that induce cell division and cell differentiation (e.g. BA, kinetin, and 2-iP). In tissue culture, these substances are associated with enhanced callus and shoot development. The compounds are derivatives of adenine.

Cytology
The study of the structure and function of cells.

Cytolysis
Cell disintegration