Define the term “biological assay.”

The term “biological assay” refers specifically to a test that evaluates the effects of a substance on living cells or biological systems. This involves determining the biological activity and potency of a substance, such as a drug, hormone, or environmental agent, by observing and measuring its impact on the cells or organisms involved. Biological assays can include various methods, such as cell viability tests, enzyme activity assays, and receptor-binding assays, among others, providing essential information about how substances interact with biological systems.

This definition aligns well with the purpose of biological assays in research and development, as they are crucial in drug discovery, toxicology studies, and evaluating therapeutic potentials. The other choices, while related to fields in biotechnology and research, do not accurately depict what a biological assay entails. A statistical method for analyzing genetic data focuses on data interpretation rather than direct biological measurement. A clinical trial for drug approval involves a broader scope of testing a drug in human subjects and is more extensive than what a biological assay covers. A procedure for cloning organisms pertains to replication techniques, which are also distinct from the specifics of measuring the effects of substances on living systems.