The spectrometers will also measure properties including molecular weight, electrical charges and the amount of light absorbed at different wavelengths.

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Because it allows precise control of the activation or silencing of genetic traits, Dr Greenland and others are testing their molecular switches on such properties as insect or fungal resistance.

ECONOMIST: Terminator genes

This is a molecule or molecular combination that has different properties on different parts of its surface: in particular, one part prefers to dissolve in water whereas another part prefers oil.

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