Biology
35 Words
18m
a tiny structure within cells that assembles proteins by reading the genetic instructions carried by messenger RNA
Ribosomes are the cellular factories responsible for building proteins, essential for various biological functions.
View Full Definitiona cellular organelle involved in the processing, packaging, and distribution of proteins and lipids within the cell, consisting of a stack of flattened membrane sacs called cisternae
The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins, ensuring they are properly shaped and functional.
View Full Definitiona small, enzyme-filled sac in a cell that breaks down waste materials and unwanted substances
Lysosomes act as the "recycling centers" of cells, breaking down and digesting cellular waste materials.
View Full Definitionan organelle that is abundantly present in most cells and is responsible for energy production
The mitochondrion is a membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic cells.
View Full Definitiona very small threadlike structure in a living organism that carries the genes and genetic information
View Full Definitiona plant cell organelle that uses sunlight to produce energy and make glucose through photosynthesis
Chloroplasts are the green structures in plant cells where photosynthesis, the process of converting light into energy, takes place.
View Full Definitionthe gel-like, semifluid substance within a cell that surrounds the organelles, providing a medium for cellular activities, including metabolism, transport of substances, and support for cellular structures
Cytoplasm fills the interior of a cell, serving as a supportive medium for cellular structures and activities.
View Full Definitiona cell that has had its nucleus removed or the cellular material excluding the nucleus
The scientist carefully examined the cytoplast under the microscope to analyze its cellular structure.
View Full Definitiona network of protein fibers in a cell that gives it shape, supports its structure, and aids in movement
The cytoskeleton acts like a cell's internal scaffolding, maintaining its shape and structural integrity.
View Full Definitiona molecule that forms the basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base
The sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines genetic information.
View Full Definitionthe complete set of genetic material of any living thing
The human genome consists of approximately 3 billion base pairs of DNA, encoding all the information needed for human development and function.
View Full Definitiona linear chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming a primary structure of a protein
Insulin is a polypeptide hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
View Full Definitiona specialized, membrane-bound structure within a cell that performs specific functions, contributing to the cell's overall structure and function
The nucleus, an organelle housing genetic material, regulates cell activities.
View Full Definitiona cell organelle in plants, fungi, and some protists that stores nutrients, manages waste, and helps maintain cell pressure
Vacuoles in plant cells may contain pigments, giving flowers and fruits their vibrant colors.
View Full Definitiona pair of small cylinders near the nucleus in animal cells, organizing cell division by forming the mitotic spindle
Centrioles play a crucial role in animal cell division, forming the mitotic spindle.
View Full Definitiona repetitive DNA sequence at the end of a linear chromosome, protecting it from deterioration during replication, and playing a role in cellular aging and cancer development
Think of telomeres as the plastic tips on the ends of a phone charger cable that keep it from wearing out.
View Full Definitiona type of protein that plays a structural role in the packaging of DNA into nucleosomes, fundamental units of chromatin
Histones act as spools around which DNA winds, forming compact structures called nucleosomes.
View Full Definitionthe observable physical and behavioral characteristics of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genotype (genetic makeup) with the environment
Eye color, hair texture, and height are examples of human phenotypes.
View Full Definitionthe tendency of an organism or cell to regulate its internal environment and maintain a stable, balanced condition, despite external changes
Sweating to cool down the body temperature is an example of homeostasis in response to external heat.
View Full Definitionthe process of changing written or spoken words from one language to another while maintaining the same meaning
The translation of the novel from French to English took six months.
View Full Definitiona written copy, especially one transferred from another medium, such as a typewritten version of dictation
She prepared a transcription of the lecture notes.
View Full Definitionthe action of creating one or more copies of something
The replication of the documents took several hours.
View Full Definitionan individual organism or cell with two different alleles at a specific gene locus, having inherited different genetic information from each parent
An organism with one allele for brown eyes and one for blue eyes is a heterozygote for the eye color gene.
View Full Definitionan individual organism or cell with two identical alleles at a specific gene locus, having inherited the same genetic information from both parents
An organism with two alleles for brown eyes is a homozygote for the eye color gene.
View Full Definitiona sequence of three adjacent nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis or serves as a start or stop signal in the translation process
AUG is the start codon, initiating the translation process in protein synthesis.
View Full Definitiona close and often long-term interaction between two different species living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both
The relationship between cleaner fish and larger fish, where the cleaner fish remove parasites, represents a mutualistic symbiosis.
View Full Definitiona single-celled, microscopic organism belonging to the group of protozoa, characterized by a flexible cell membrane and the absence of a fixed body shape
Amebas are commonly found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater ponds and streams.
View Full Definitionthe protein coat of a virus that encases its genetic material and helps it attach to and enter host cells during infection
The capsid of a virus provides structural integrity, enclosing and protecting its genetic material.
View Full Definitiona green pigment found in all green plants and cyanobacteria that is responsible for the absorption of the sunlight needed for the photosynthesis process
Chlorophyll is responsible for the green color of plants, reflecting its role in photosynthesis.
View Full Definitiona type of living thing with cells that have a nucleus and other structures enclosed in membranes, like plants, animals, fungi, and some microorganisms
Plants, with their roots, stems, and leaves, are examples of eukaryotes.
View Full Definitionan offspring of a human or animal that is not born yet, particularly a human aged more than eight weeks after conception
The ultrasound showed that the fetus was developing normally.
View Full Definitiona mature, female reproductive cell or egg, typically larger than a sperm cell, capable of fusing with a sperm cell during fertilization to form a zygote
Human females typically release one ovum during each menstrual cycle.
View Full Definitionan enzyme produced in the stomach that helps in the digestion of proteins by breaking them down into smaller peptides
Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that helps break down proteins into smaller peptides.
View Full Definitiona molecule that carries energy within cells, composed of adenine, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups
Adenosine triphosphate is often referred to as the "energy currency" of cells due to its role in energy transfer.
View Full Definitiona simple, single-celled organism that lacks a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria and archaea
Bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), are common examples of prokaryotes.
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