Question

What is the meaning of the word canonical in a scientific context? This is an example that I do not understand:

BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors, which are related to the canonical nerve growth factor. OR canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways.

Answer 1

In the scientific context, 'canonical' refers to something that is standard or recognized. It is used to describe well-established processes or pathways.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scientific context, the word 'canonical' refers to the standard or recognized pathway, process, or form of something.

In your example, 'canonical' is used to describe the nerve growth factor that is well-established and widely recognized. It means that the nerve growth factor being referred to is the accepted, typical form.

Similarly, in the context of Wnt signaling pathways, 'canonical' refers to the well-known and extensively studied pathway that is the main or primary way in which Wnt signaling occurs.