Steroid hormones related to the male sex hormone testosterone. They promote the development of masculine characteristics and increase muscle growth. Anabolic steroids have been used medically for various conditions but are also used illegally by sportsmen and women and by bodybuilders. They have a number of deleterious side effects and are a controlled drug in
affinity chromatography A biochemical technique for purifying natural polymers, especially proteins. It functions by attaching a specific ligand by covalent bonding to an insoluble inert support. The ligand has to have a specific affinity for the polymer, so that when a solution containing the ligand is passed down a column of the material it is
A flammable material used to start and spread a fire in cases of arson. Petrol and paraffin are the substances commonly used. Traces of accelerant are detectable by gas chromatography in forensic work.