Glossary extracted starting with automatic seeds, with PTM for the domain bio and language EN

prenatalAnytime before the birth of the baby.
vitaminsOrganic molecules that are essential for normal metabolism, growth and development, and for the regulation of cell function
antihormoneA substance that attenuates the response to hormones.
anti-idiotype antibodyAn antibody that recognizes and is complementary to the binding site of another antibody.
viroidA plant pathogen composed of molecules of naked circular RNA only several hundred nucleotides long.
kerogenA class of organic compounds found in some sedimentary rocks and thought to be derived from organic molecules from living organisms.
differential displayA technique for determining differences in gene expression under two different conditions or between two tissues.
glycosideA compound in which a glycosyl group has been substituted for a hydroxyl group.
chertVery fine grained silica (SiO2) that forms layers or nodules in sequences of sedimentary rocks.
endocrine glandsSpecialized tissues whose function is to synthesize and secrete hormones.
hostOrganism that develops disease from a pathogen or is being feed on by a parasite.
subtropical high pressure zoneSurface zone of atmospheric high pressure located at about 30° North and South latitude
canonical codeThe genetic code that is used almost universally.
overexploitationHarvesting by humans of wild plants or animals at rates exceeding the ability of populations of those species to rebound.
mast cellA non-circulating leukocyte characterized by histamine-filled granules
esophagusThe muscular tube extending between and connecting the
contraceptionThe prevention of pregnancy.
ebris flowA type of mass movement where there is a downslope flow of a saturated mass of soil, sediment, and rock debris.
cell lineAn established clone originally derived from a whole organism through a long process of cultivation.
virulence factorAny gene product which enhances the ability of an organism to cause disease.
continental marginThe area between a continent's shoreline and the beginning of the ocean floor
antigenA substance, usually a protein, that stimulates the body to produce antibodies against it.
pangaeaHypothetical super continent that existed in the geological past
benign tumorA tumor that remains confined to its site of origin.
antibioticA substance, for example penicillin, that can destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria
oreodontAny member of an extinct group of hoofed herbivorous mammals found exclusively in North America from the Eocene to the Miocene.
survivorship curveA plot of the number of members of a cohort that are still alive at each age; one way to represent age-specific mortality.
enhancerA transcriptional regulatory sequence that can be located at a site distant from the promoter.
peyer's patchA region of lymphoid tissue in the submucosa of the intestine that is rich in B cells and germinal centers.
virusA group of particles that do not have a cellular structure and cannot replicate outside of a host cell
meroplanktonthose animals that spend part of their life cycle in the plankton but become part of the nekton or benthos as adults, such as some larval fish and crabs
reverse transcriptaseAn enzyme used by retroviruses to form a complementary DNA sequence (cDNA) from their RNA
fluorescence enhancementThe enhancement of fluorescence by the polarity of the medium.
benthicLiving on or in the bottom of a body of water
endotoxinMicrobial toxin, such as a cell-surface polysaccharide, that is not easily separated from the cell.
adrAmerican Depository Receipt; an ADR is issued by a U.S
dna sequencingProcedures for determining the nucleotide sequence of a DNA fragment.
non-parametric statistical testStatistical tests that do not assume the sample data is normally distributed.
primateAny member of the mammalian order Primates, including apes, monkeys, and humans
archezoaPrimitive eukaryotic group that includes diplomonads, such as Giardia; some systematists assign kingdom status to archezoans.
preclinicPreclinical stage of drug development; tests in animal models as well as in laboratory assays
solar yearThe time it takes the Earth to make one orbit around the Sun
allelesCommon is defined as having a frequency of 1% or greater.
immunityNonsusceptibility to a disease or to the toxic effects of antigenic material.
plant storage proteinsProteins stored in seeds that are utilized as a source of amino acids during germination.
corticosteroidAny steroid hormone produced and secreted by the adrenal cortex.
feralA term used to describe domestic or introduced animals living in wild conditions or plants that have become wild.
entrainmentOne of three distinct processes involved in erosion
cultural evolutionChange in culture (i.e., information passed on by learning and imitation rather than by biological inheritance).
photosynthateOrganic carbon produced by photosynthesis.
oomyceteA protist with flagellated cells, such as a water mold, white rust, or downy mildew, that acquires nutrition mainly as a decomposer or plant parasite.
growth factorA substance that must be present in the growth medium to permit eucaryotic cell proliferation.
exogenousOriginating outside a cell, tissue, or organism.
lateralizationSegregation of functions in the cortex of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
cancerCancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled and rapid growth of cells that invade and destroy surrounding tissues
ejaculationThe propulsion of sperm from the epididymis through the muscular vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, and urethra.
cometA large mass of ice and dust that has an orbit around a star.
traitcharacteristic that a living thing can pass on to its young.
scaleA specific relative or proportional size or extent of a phenomena as measured through space and/or time.
inner coreInner region of the Earth's core
glacial surgeA rapid forward movement of the snout of a glacier.
longitudinal studyA study that follows a population forward over time.
torporIn animals, a physiological state that conserves energy by slowing down metabolism.
cortisolA steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal cortex, that promotes the formation of glucose from protein and fat; also suppresses the inflammatory and immune responses.
feralDomestic or introduced animals living in wild conditions, or plants that have become wild.
perceptionThe interpretation of sensations by the brain.
sandstoneA sedimentary rock composed dominantly of grains that are 0.02 to 2 millimeters in diameter
regosol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
structural domainAn element of protein tertiary structure that forms an independent folding unit.
treat nmdTREAT-NMD is a network that brings together people with neuromuscular diseases and specialists (scientists, healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies) working on treatments for these conditions.
molecular replacementA method for solving biomacromolecular structure based on the use of a model derived from a related, previously solved structure.
racial groupA group of people defined by race, color, nationality and ethnic or national origins.
lateral line systemA mechanoreceptor system consisting of a series of pores and receptor units (neuromasts) along the sides of the body in fishes and aquatic amphibians; detects water movements made by the animal itself and by other moving objects.
amnioteA vertebrate possessing an amnion surrounding the embryo; reptiles, birds, and mammals are amniotes.
introduced speciesA species moved by humans, either intentionally or accidentally, from its native location to a new geographic region; also caned an exotic species.
root exudateChemical substance released from the root of a plant.
senescenceProcess of aging.
peak annual flowThe largest discharge produced by a stream during a one year period.
rflpSee Restriction fragment length polymorphism.
ecological species conceptDefining species in tenns of ecological roles (niches).
asepticProcedures that prevent the contamination of cultures, media, animals, and persons by extraneous microorganisms.
tidal periodTime it takes for one tidal cycle.
cross-flow filtrationA technique for filtering thick fluids by flowing the fluid across the filter
class switchA change in the class of antibody expressed by B lymphocytes (i.e., from IgG to IgM).
sporadic permafrostForm of permafrost that exists as small islands of frozen ground in otherwise unfrozen soil and sediments.
bioluminescenceProduction of light by a chemical reaction within an organism
embryo sacThe female gametophyte of angiosperms, formed from the growth and division of the megaspore into a multicellular structure with eight haploid nuclei.
lateral rootA root that arises from the outermost layer of the pericycle of an established root.
dna gunAny one of several methods of inserting a transformed plasmid into a cell
humusDecomposing organic material found in topsoil.
dormant/DORE-mənt, -mant/ adj
live cell arrayA micro-system for the high-throughput analysis of intact cells.
species-specificPertaining to individuals of only one species
subunitA single unit of a multi-subunit protein.
sleetSee ice pellets.
hydrophobic interactionsAssociation of non-polar groups with each other when present in aqueous solutions because of their insolubility in water.
intronThe part of the genetic sequence that is not translated into the final gene product or message.
sedimentary rockRocks formed by the deposition, alteration and/or compression, and lithification of weathered rock debris, chemical precipitates, or organic sediments
endergonic reactionA nonspontaneous chemical reaction, in which free energy is absorbed from the surroundings.
ultisolsAcidic, clay-containing soils with strong horizons found in temperate humid and tropical regions.
polysaccharideA polymer containing hundreds or thousands of sugars.
amphibianAn amphibian is an animal that lays its eggs in the water
electron acceptorSubstance that accepts or receives electrons in an oxidation-reduction reaction, becoming reduced in the process.
apeA species of the family Pongidae
modelMathematical or other (e.g., engineering) representation used in computer simulations to calculate the evolving state of dynamic systems.
genetic adaptationChanges in the genetic makeup of organisms of a species due to mutations that allow the species to reproduce and gain a competitive advantage under changed environmental conditions.
military grid reference systemA simplified subset of the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid System
false positive resultThe result of a diagnostic test came back positive or abnormal when the disease is not actually present
lekAn arena where males gather and are chosen as mates by females.
rapmatMaturation process; proprietary technology of MorphoSys
intervening sequenceSee intron.
species diversityThe number and relative abundance of species in a biological community.
photic zoneThe narrow top slice of the ocean, where light permeates sufficiently for photosynthesis to occur.
strataThe layers or beds found in sedimentary rock.
regressionA statistic that describes the relationship of two variables
hydrogen bondA relatively weak bond formed between a hydrogen atom (which is covalently bound to a nitrogen or oxygen atom) and a nitrogen or oxygen atom with an unshared electron pair
corporate governanceSystem of relations between the shareholders, Board of Directors and management of a company
malignant tumorA tumor that invades normal tissue and spreads throughout the body.
snow pelletsA form of precipitation also known as graupel
nitrogen fixationConversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be converted by biochemical reactions to an organic form
soil-heat fluxThe rate of flow of heat energy into, from, or through the soil.
coadaptationProcess of selection acting on units of two or more genes.
biomineralizationThe deposition of minerals by microorganisms and plant and animal cells.
clinical trialThe evaluation in humans of the effectiveness of a new drug therapy
nitrogen oxidesConsists of two gases nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
valence electronAn electron in the outermost electron shell.
ground iceGeneral term used to describe all bodies of ice in the ground surface of the permafrost layer
temperate glacierGlacier in which the ice found below 10 to 20 meters from its surface is at the pressure melting point
crossing-over/recombinationa process of chromsome exchange during cell division, resulting in new combinations of alleles.
homeodomainA protein motif encoded by DNA sequence within the homeobox.
cloningthe process of creating a clone.
biomaterialBiologically derived material that is utilized as a structural component.
essential fatty acidA polyunsaturated fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by a cell or organism and must be supplied as a nutrient.
hydrophilicLiterally means "water-loving"
coupled reactionsIn cells, the linking of endergonic (energy-requiring) reactions to exergonic (energy-releasing) reactions that provide enough energy to drive the endergonic reactions forward.
turgidVery firm
non-ionizing radiationA form of electromagnetic radiation that does not have enough energy to cause ionization of atoms in living tissue
monocyteA large phagocytic white blood cell which, when it enters tissue, develops into a macrophage.
alcoholisma chronic and progressive condition characterized by the inability to control the consumption of alcohol.
relative fluorescence unita unit of measurement used in electrophoreses methods employing fluorescence detection
hydrophobicNot soluble in water.
lysisCell disintegration due to membrane rupture or the breakdown of the cell wall.
transientOf short duration.
genusA taxonomic category above the species level, designated by the first word of a species' two-part scientific name.
contig mapA map depicting the relative order of a linked library of overlapping clones representing a complete chromosomal segment.
limit cycleA system may tend toward an unending cycle rather than a stable equilibrium.
crepuscularAn adjective used to describe things relating to the twilight associated with sunrise and sundown
detritusShed tissues, dead body parts, and waste products of organisms
community acquired infectionAn infection acquired outside of a hospital or health environment.
deflation hollowA surface depression or hollow commonly found in arid and semiarid regions caused by wind erosion
paralogous genesGenes that are homologous (share a common ancestry) and have diverged from each other after gene duplication events (e.g., α- and β-globins)
hydrophilic  [Greek hydor water + philos loving] Descriptive of substances that mix readily with water
permeaseAn enzyme system concerned with the transport of specific substances, usually nutrients, through the cytoplasm membrane.
watershedCatchment area of a drainage basin.
half-lifeTime required for one half of the nuclei in a radioisotope to emit its radiation
quantum mechanicsA theory that explains the behavior of elementary particles, atoms, and energy in terms of probabilities.
respiratory systemthe organs in animals used for gas exchange.
flash floodA rapid and short-lived increase in the amount of runoff water entering a stream resulting in a flood.
parent materialThe mineral material from which a soil forms.
primary structure  Refers to the amino acid sequences of proteins.
circular definitiona logical fallacy in which the term being defined is used as part of the definition.
eutrophicationA process in which an aquatic environment accumulates high nutrient levels due to factors such as industrial or urban pollution or run-off of fertilizers from nearby agricultural lands
inferential statisticsStatistical test that makes generalizations about a population based of the numeric information obtained from a sample based on the laws of probability.
snow lineAltitudinal or latitudinal limit separating zones where snow does not melt during the summer season from areas in which it does
electrophoresisA recording of the separated components of a mixture produced by electrophoresis.
siberian highHigh pressure system that develops in winter over northern central Asia.
maximum parsimonyA principle that states that when considering multiple explanations for an observation, one should first investigate the simplest explanation that is consistent with the facts.
metabolismThe physical and chemical processes by which energy is made available for essential body functioning, growth and development.
discopodous/də-SKAWP-pə-dəs, dis-/ adj
direct repeatSéquences répétées en tandem : Séquences répétées directes adjacentes
antigenanticoagulant
zwitterionA dipolar ion containing ionic groups of opposite charge.
congenitalPresent at birth.
olivineCommon silicate mineral found in rocks formed from mafic magma
hereditythe transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
discontinuous permafrostForm of permafrost that contains numerous scattered pockets of unfrozen ground.
partial pressuresThe concentration of gases; a fraction of total pressure.
electrophoresisA method of separation of molecules in a mixture; an electric current is passed through the mixture which has been loaded on a support medium, usually a gel or sometimes paper, the molecules move through the support - the extent of each molecule's movement is related to its size and its charge.
hairy root diseaseA disease of broad-leaved plants, where a proliferation of root-like tissue is formed from the stem
three quarter sibSib with one parent in common and one grandparent of the second parent in common, e.g., paternal half sibs with the same maternal grandsire.
lophophoreA horseshoe-shaped or circular fold of the body wall bearing ciliated tentacles that surround the mouth.
contingency chi-squareA chi-square test performed for the comparison of two sets of data.
gallbladderAn organ that stores bile and releases it as needed into the small intestine.
interceptionIs the capture of precipitation by the plant canopy and its subsequent return to the atmosphere through evaporation or sublimation
island modelThe simplest model of population structure
conductionThe direct transfer of thermal motion (heat) between molecules of objects in direct contact with each other.
informed consentAn individual willingly agrees to participate in an activity after first being advised of the risks and benefits
z formA duplex DNA structure in which there is the usual type of hydrogen bonding between the base pairs but in which the helix formed by the two polynucleotide chains is left-handed rather than right-handed.
glomerulusA ball of capillaries surrounded by Bowman's capsule in the nephron and serving as the site of filtration in the vertebrate kidney
mechanoreceptorA sensory receptor that detects physical deformations in the body's environment associated with pressure, touch, stretch, motion, and sound.
pathologythe study of disease processes.
dorsal/DORE-səl/ adj
isomerOne of several organic compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures and therefore different properties
stadial moraineSee recessional moraine.
f2 generationOffspring resulting from interbreeding of the hybrid F 1 generation
myceliumA mass of hyphae constituting the body (thallus) of a fungus.
toleranceA form of genetic resistance in which an organism attacked or affected by a disease pathogen (or pest) exhibits less reduction in yield or performance in comparison with members of other affected cultivars or breeds.
neoplasticnee-ō-PLAST-ick/ Newly formed and abnormal.
hydroponic cultureA method in which plants are grown without soil by using mineral solutions.
in vivoInside the body.
biodieselAn alternative fuel for use in diesel engines that is made from natural renewable sources such animal fats or vegetable oils and does not contain petroleum
kelvin scaleScale for measuring temperature
protonophoreAn ionophore that transports protons.
isomerizationRearrangement of atomic groups within the same molecule without any loss or gain of atoms.
cage carrierAn ionophore that surrounds an ion during transport.
hemoglobinAn iron-containing protein in red blood cells that reversibly binds oxygen.
heterozygousRefers to having inherited different forms of a particular gene from each parent.
medial moraineDeposit of material found down the center of a glacier
antibodyA protein, produced in response to a foreign substance in the immune system.
macroaggregatesLarge (greater than 250 micrometers in size) mineral–organic matter complexes in soils that physically protect organic matter from degradation.
carbon fluxRate of carbon movement as it flows from one carbon reservoir to another in the global carbon cycle
pedimentA gradually sloping bedrock surface located at the base of fluvial-eroded mountain range
monocyteA leukocyte found in bone marrow and in the circulatory system
pennsylvanianGeologic period that occurred roughly 286 to 320 million years ago
moral standingTo say that a group of organisms has moral standing is to say that their wellbeing must be given some consideration
spermThe male gamete.
multivesicular bodyA lysosomal structure containing inner vesicles.
monocotOne of two classes of flowering plants characterized by one primary embryonic leaf, parallel veins, vascular bundles scattered throughout ground tissue, petals in multiples of three, one pore or slit in pollen grains, and fibrous roots.
environmental stewardshipThe view that humans have a duty to manage and care for the whole natural environment; that we are responsible for the continued health of the whole ecosystem, not just the parts that benefit the human race
lamarckismSee inheritance of acquired characteristics.
acritarchAn organic-walled microfossil, found in ancient rocks, that is interpreted as the reproductive cyst of a eukaryote.
tropical rain forestThe most complex of all communities, located near the equator where rainfall is abundant; harbors more species of plants and animals than all other terrestrial biomes combined.
dioecious/die-EE-shəs/ adj
plateletsAplastic anemia has many causes including exposure to toxic chemicals, certain unusual infections and rare genetic abnormalities.
alsA serious neurological disease that results from the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons
muscoviteRock forming mineral of the mica group.
age structureThe relative number of individuals of each age in a population.
continuous variationVariation where characters are divided by small differences in metric or quantitative values across a continuum, not by counts in broadly specified classifications such as coat colors.
ylidA compound in which adjacent, covalently-bonded atoms, both having an electronic octet, have opposite charges.
no resultsA situation in which no interpretable results are obtained from testing a DNA sample
soil waterThe water found occupying the pore spaces between soil particles.
excited stateAn energy-rich state of an atom or a molecule, produced by the absorption of radiant energy.
isopodA member of one of the largest groups of crustaceans, which includes terrestrial, freshwater, and marine species
eukaryoteA type of cell found in many organisms including single-celled protists and multicellular fungi, plants, and animals; characterized by a membrane-bounded
kineticsThe study of the rate of change.
antibody libraryA collection of genes that encode corresponding human antibodies
background extinctionNormal extinction of species that occurs as a result of changes in local environmental conditions
turbulent flowMovement of water within a stream that occurs as discrete eddies and vortices
heterozygousPossessing two different forms of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent.
basidiumA reproductive appendage that produces sexual spores on the gills of mushrooms (club fungi).
striationsGrooves of scratches found in surface rock that are the result of glacial abrasion.
short waveA small wave in the polar jet stream and the westerlies that extends from the middle to the upper troposphere
chronicAny condition that lasts for a long period of time or occurs frequently
bay-mouth barA narrow deposit of sand and/or gravel found across the mouth of a bay.
bone marrowSoft tissue located in the cavities of the bones
retinalThe light-absorbing pigment in rods and cones of the vertebrate eye.
assortative matingA type of nonrandom mating in which mating partners resemble each other in certain phenotypic characters.
osmoregulationAdaptations to control the water balance in organisms living in hypertonic, hypotonic, or terrestrial environments.
endosporeA resting stage produced internally by some bacteria, which is resistant to unfavorable conditions.
barrier to entrya condition that makes it difficult for competitors to enter the market; e.g
element  Often called atomic weight, though mass is the correct term.  One unit of atomic mass = 1.66 × 10–24 grams = 1 dalton.  This is approximately the mass of one proton or neutron.  Electrons have a much smaller mass and contribute little to the mass of an atom.
learningA behavioral change resulting from experience.
diacylglycerolA second messenger produced by the cleavage of a certain kind of phospholipid in the plasma membrane.
voltage-gated ion channelA transmembrane ion channel controlled by membrane potential.
iepIn the United States an Individualized Education Program, commonly referred to as an IEP, is mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
immunotherapyThe use of antibodies, proteins derived from antibodies, or immune cells to treat disease.
antimetaboliteA substance that prevents utilization of a metabolite.
structural proteomicsThe proteome-wide study of protein structure and function, based on the selection of a set of proteins representative of each major protein family, development of high-throughput approaches to crystallization screening, and x-ray diffraction analysis.
asymmetric carbonA carbon atom covalently bonded to four different atoms or groups of atoms.
varanopseidAny member of a diverse group of pelycosaurs from the Late Carboniferous through Permian
out-of-africa modelThe hypothesis that modern humans evolved recently in Africa and spread from there, replacing archaic hominins
phagemidA phage-plasmid vector able to replicate as single- or double-stranded DNA.
bacteriaSmall relatively simple prokaryotic microorganisms.
genetic modificationAny process that alters the genetic material of living organism
prostaglandinOne of a group of modified fatty acids secreted by virtually all tissues and performing a wide variety of functions as local regulators.
epithelial cellA type of cell that forms sheets (epithelial tissue) that cover the surface of the body and line internal organs.
laurentiaAn ancient continent made up of most of modern eastern North America and parts of western Eurasia
weatherThe state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place.
dictybase idA unique identifying number within dictyBase which is specific for a single feature.
antiserumSerum that contains a high level of antibodies against a specific antigen.
diastoleThe stage of the heart cycle in which the heart muscle is relaxed, allowing the chambers to fill with blood.
intrasexual selectionA direct competition among individuals of one sex (usually the males in vertebrates) for mates of the opposite sex.
extinctionThe death of all individuals of a species.
eosinophilA type of white blood cell with low phagocytic activity that is thought to playa role in defense against parasitic worms by releasing enzymes toxic to these invaders.
helper virusA virus that provides functions missing in a defective virus.
maternal serum testingA test which assesses the risk of fetal abnormalities such as neural tube defects and Down syndrome by analyzing a number of hormones in the mother's blood during pregnancy.
genetic mapA map of relative chromosomal locations based on recombination data.
dykeThin vertical veins of igneous rock that form when magma enters and cools in fractures found within the crust
antherIn an angiosperm, the tern nal pollen sac of a stamen, where pollen grains with male gametes form.
estimatorAn estimator is any value calculated from the sample data For example, the sample mean is an estimator of the population mean.
genetic driftRandom fluctuation in gene frequencies occurring as a result of gamete sampling, particularly noticeable in small populations.
virionAn infectious virus particle.
gene-for-gene recognitionA widespread form of plant disease resistance involving recognition of pathogen-derived molecules by the protein products of specific plant disease resistance genes.
funnel cloudA tornado which is beginning its descent from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud
ifrsInternational Financial Reporting Standards; Future EU: wide standards produced by the IASB
pulmocutaneous circuitThe route of circulation that directs blood to the skin and lungs.
coisogenicA strain established from an inbred line that differs from the inbred line by the presence of a mutation at a single locus.
satelliteA chromosomal segment that branches off from the rest of the chromosome but is still connected by a thin filament or stalk.
evidenceSomething that can help identify the persons responsible for a crime, items used to establish an element of crime or to reconstruct crime events or link crimes.
disease"Lack of ease." Departure from the state of health of normality
nephropathyneff-RAWP-ə-thee/ A general term for disease of kidney(s).
mass spectrometryAn instrument used to identify chemicals in a substance by their mass and charge.
scrotal circumferenceSimple maximal circumference measured around the central portion of the paired testes.
abyssalocean depths greater than 4000 meters
potential energyThe energy stored by matter as a result of its location or spatial arrangement.
toxicogenomicsThe study of how genomes respond to environmental stressors or toxicants
molecular recombinationThe physical cutting and joining of DNA molecules.
urea cycleA metabolic pathway in the liver that leads to the synthesis of urea from amino groups and CO2
tumorigenesisThe mechanism of tumor formation.
metabolic error  A defect in an enzyme that catalyzes a metabolic step, causing the metabolic conversion not to occur
equilibrium speciesSpecies characterized by low reproduction rates, long development times, large body size, and long adult life with repeated reproductions.
macropinocytosisThe uptake of fluids in large vesicles.
testosteroneA steroid hormone produced by the testes.
cell membraneA slim layer of fat and protein that surrounds a cell though still located inside the cell wall
true breedingA population or individual that produces genetically identical offspring.
compound eyeA type of multifaceted eye in insects and crustaceans consisting of up to several thousand light-detecting, focusing ommatidia; especially good at detecting movement.
protoplasmSubstances making up a cell including its exterior membrane.
x chromosomea sex chromosome; normal females carry two X chromosomes.
cis dominanceProperty of a sequence or a gene that exerts a dominant effect on a gene to which it is linked.
haliteSedimentary rock created by the chemical precipitation of sodium and chlorine.
chronicDescribes an illness that affects an individual for a long period of time, possibly their entire life.
statistical powerThe chance that the null hypothesis will be rejected when the data are generated by a different model.
polymorphismThe existence of two or more variants (alleles, phenotypes, DNA sequence variants, chromosomal structure variants) at significant frequencies in the population.
turnover numberThe maximum number of molecules of substrate that can be converted to product per active site per unit time.
dendritic cellA cell found in lymphoid organs and non-lymphoid tissues that presents antigens to T- lymphocytes.
nanometern
mixed strategyWhere individuals play two or more strategies at random.
phenotypeobservable characteristics of an organism produced by the organism's genotype interacting with the environment.
snowfieldAn area of permanent snow accumulation
primary visual cortexThe destination in the occipital lobe of the cerebrum for most of the axons from the lateral geniculate nuclei.
inheritanceGenetic characters transmitted from one generation to the next.
dynaminA membrane-associated GTPase involved in vesicle budding.
anti-hbeAntibody to hepatitis B e antigen.
immune systemCollection of mechanisms within an organism that protects against infection by identifying and killing pathogens
covarianceMeasure quantifying the degree to which two characteristics vary together.
varianceThe mean squared deviation from the average:
plasmaThe fluid portion of unclotted blood.
inhibitory postsynaptic potentialAn electrical charge (hyperpolarization) in the membrane of a postsynaptic neuron caused by the binding of an inhibitory neurotransmitter from a presynaptic cell to a postsynaptic receptor; makes it more difficult for a postsynaptic neuron to generate an action potential.
planktonMinute plant (phytoplankton) and animal organisms (zooplankton) that are found in aquatic ecosystems.
determinate growthGrowth that occurs only during the initial stage of the life of an organism, or until a given organ is completely formed
dimeric/die-MARE-ick/ adj
ksThe rate of synonymous substitutions that do not alter amino acid sequence
drugA molecule used to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or prevent disease.
cap structureA specialized nucleotide structure present at the 5' end of mRNA consisting of a methlyguanosine residue linked by a triphosphate bridge to the 5' end of the RNA
effector moleculeAmes test An assay developed by Bruce Ames to test for the mutagenicity (and probable carcinogenicity) of compounds.
neotenyReproduction by juveniles
nitrogen-fixing bacteriamicrobes that transform nitrogen into ammonia to aid plant growth.
gypsumSedimentary rock created by the chemical precipitation of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen.
root hairA tiny extension of a root epidermal cell, growing just behind the root tip and increasing surface area for absorption of water and minerals.
retestingWhen a test needs to be repeated in order to clarify, confirm or reject the results of the initial test.
c horizonSoil horizon normally found below the B horizon and above the R horizon
neural grooveDorsal, longitudinal groove that forms in a vertebrate embryo; bordered by two neural folds; preceded by the neural-plate stage and followed by the neural-tube stage.
tropical rainforestA terrestrial biome characterized by high levels of precipitation and warm temperatures year-round.
unstable atmosphereCondition in the atmosphere where isolated air parcels have a tendency to rise
stratosphereAtmospheric layer found at an average altitude of 11 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface
volcanic ashSmall sized particles ejected from explosive volcanoes.
bioenergeticsThe study of how organisms manage their energy resources.
apicalRelating to the apex, the anterior pole.
familiarityA learner's basic knowledge of a subject or topic.
glacial polishThe abrasion of bedrock surfaces by materials carried on the bottom of a glacier
evidencescientific data that is appropriate and sufficient to support a claim
active transportThe movement of a substance across a biological membrane against its concentration or electrochemical gradient, with the help of energy input and specific transport proteins.
genomic imprintingSee imprinting, genomic.
complementaryTwo polynucleotide chains that can base-pair to form a double-stranded molecule.
sperm motilityThe proportion of sperm swimming, or other measures of sperm movement.
dry lineA boundary the separates dry and moist air in the warm sector of a mid-latitude cyclone wave
immunogenicityThe ability of an antigen to induce humoral and/or cell mediated immune responses
irbMakes sure that risks to people are as low as possible in a research study.
pleiomorphicHaving the ability to change shape.
periplasmThe region between the inner (cytoplasmic) membrane and the cell wall or outer membrane of a bacterium.
holandric   [Greek hol- whole + andros man.] An older term for Y-linked, i.e
law of stream lengthsMorphometric relationship observed in the cumulative size of stream segment lengths in stream channel branching
residual volumeThe amount of air that remains in the lungs after forcefully exhaling.
dysplasiaAbnormal development or growth of tissues or cells
carbonateCompound consisting of a single atom of carbon and three atoms of oxygen
carrierA person who has a recessive mutated
per osBy way of or through the mouth, as in per os adminstration of a drug.
petioleThe stalk of a leaf, which joins the leaf to a node of the stem.
density dependentReferring to any characteristic that varies according to an increase in population density
covalent bondA type of strong chemical bond in which two atoms share one or more pairs of valence electrons.
m13A filamentous, single-stranded DNA phage that infects E
cellsproducing damage to organs throughout the body.
genetically modified organismsoncogene
superantigenAn antigen that activates a large percentage of T-lymphocytes.
leachateSolution containing material leached from a soil.
enantiomorphsIsomers that are mirror images of one another.
gonad  A testis or ovary.
nitrogenNĪ-trə-jen/ Chemical element; atomic number 7, atomic mass 14.00674; colorless, odorless, tasteless; makes up 78% of earth's atmosphere by volume
birdAny member of the vertebrate class Aves
suprachiasmatic nucleiA pair of structures in the hypothalamus of mammals that functions as a biological clock.
conidiaNaked, asexual spores produced at the ends of specialized hyphae in ascomycetes.
autotrophAn organism that can form its organic constituents from CO2.
interleukinInterleukin-1, a chemical regulator (cytokin) secreted by macrophages that have ingested a pathogen or foreign molecule and have bound with a helper T cell; stimulates T cells to grow and divide and elevates body temperature
pressure potentialA component of water potential that consists of the physical pressure on a solution, which can be positive, zero, or negative.
allopatric speciationA mode of speciation induced when an ancestral population becomes segregated by a geographic barrier or is itself divided into two or more geographically isolated subpopulations.
limestoneSedimentary rock composed of carbonate minerals, especially calcium carbonate
mortality rateProportion of individuals that die in a specific age class
transcomplementing cellClone : Cellule isolée, maintenue en culture et répliquée à l'identique pour permettre des études de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire
siblingsTwo cells that arose by the division of a parent cell.
coitusThe insertion of a penis into a vagina, also called sexual intercourse.
gene rearrangementRecombinaison génétique : Phénomène conduisant à l'apparition dans une cellule ou dans un individu, de gènes ou de carac tères héréditaires dans une association différente de celle observée chez les cellules ou individus parentaux
synapsis  [Greek synapsis connection.] The pairing of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis
gene bankA collection of cells or artificial chromosomes containing known genetic information.
biotic potentialMaximum rate that a population of a given species can increase in size (number of individuals) when there are no limits on growth rate.
shoreThe land area bordering a relatively large water body like a lake or ocean.
recombinant cloneClone containing recombinant DNA molecules
heritableCapable of being inherited.
loessDeposits of silt laid down by aeolian processes over extensive areas of the mid-latitudes during glacial and postglacial times.
temSee transmission electron microscope.
clayMineral particle with a size less than 0.004 millimeters in diameter
regressionThe way in which a variable y depends on another variable x can be represented by a simple regression model, y = α + βx + ε, where ε is a random deviation
bacteriophageA bacterial virus.
hydrateA compound formed by the incorporation of water.
transition stateThe activated state in which a molecule is best suited to undergoing a chemical reaction.
chlorophyllthe pigment in plants, algae, and phytoplankton that becomes activated by solar energy during photosynthesis
mast cellA type of noncirculating white blood cell, found in connective tissue, that is the major protagonist in allergic reactions; when an allergen binds to complementary antibodies on the surface of a mast cell, large amounts of histamine are released from the cell.
mitosisProcess of cell division which results in formation of two daughter cells identical in chromosome number and complement to the original mitotic cell.
veSee environmental variance.
molecular biologythe study of how chemical processes contribute to living systems
mercator projectionMap projection system that presents true compass direction
baseThe basic unit of our genetic instructions: DNA instructions are encoded in the sequence of its chemical 'letters' or bases
protein substitutePatients with PKU are usually unable to eat natural sources of protein, which contains phenylalanine
phloemFood conducting tissue in vascular plants.
laminar flowMovement of water within a stream that occurs as uninterrupted parallel flows
deletion mutationDNA is the genetic language and is read from left to right in 3 letter words
nonlinear equationAn equation that is not linear.
ciliaHair-like structures.
biodiversity hotspotA relatively small area with an exceptional concentration of species.
immune memoryThe increased response of the immune system to an antigen that had been encountered before
gillA localized extension of the body surface of many aquatic animals, specialized for gas exchange.
self-fertilizationWhen a hermaphroditic organism mates with itself.
pollinationThe transfer of pollen to the part of a seed plant containing the ovules, a process that is a prerequisite for fertilization.
branchpointAn intermediate in a biochemical pathway that can follow more than one route in following steps.
genotypeThe genetic makeup of an individual
pseudopodliterally means 'False foot'
essentialRequired for the normal growth of an organism but not synthesized by the organism.
pigmentOrganic substance found in plant and animal cells that creates coloring.
achiralA compound that may be superimposed on its mirror image
homozygousHaving two identical alleles for a given gene.
kinaseA kinase is in general an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to something else
vasoconstrictionA decrease in the diameter of superficial blood vessels triggered by nerve signals that contract the muscles of the vessel walls.
alternation of generationsA life cycle in which there is both a multicellular diploid form, the sporophyte, and a multicellular haploid form, the gametophyte; characteristic of plants.
axenicCulture of an organism that is entirely free of all other "contaminating" organisms
discoid/DISK-oid/ adj
infertileIncapable of initiating, sustaining, or supporting reproduction, alternatively: not fertilised and therefore incapable of growing and developing.
ionizing radiationThe emission of alpha or beta particles or gamma rays from radioisotopes
exoenzymeA powerful hydrolytic enzyme secreted by a fungus outside its body to digest food
probability distributionA distribution that specifies the chance of every possible outcome; it may be discrete or continuous.
baseOne of the molecules that form DNA and RNA molecules
osteoblastA cell that secretes the bone matrix.
reefA ridge or mound-like structure, usually of calcium carbonate, built by the accumulation of skeletons of sessile marine organisms, dominantly corals in the present day
inflorescenceA group of flowers tightly clustered together.
phosphorylationAttachment of a phosphate group to a molecule, which is then said to be "phosphorylated"
tannic acidA naturally occurring compound used for tanning animal hides into leather
symbiontThe smaller participant in a symbiotic relationship, living in or on the host.
hospital-acquired infections(see noscomial infections)
na+-k+ atpaseSee Na+-K+ pump.
syndromeThe group or recognizable pattern of symptoms or abnormalities that indicate a particular trait or disease.
nullisomicCondition in which both members of a chromosome pair are missing.
mesoscale convective complexA cluster of thunderstorms covering an area of 100,000 kilometers or more
human immundeficiency virusThe virus responsible for AIDS.
topset bedHorizontal deltaic deposit composed of coarse alluvial sediment
chorionic villi  The outer layer of the embryonic and fetal membranes is the chorion.  In the early embryo, the chorion has many extensions (villi, sing
posttranslational modificationThe covalent bond changes that occur in a polypeptide chain after it leaves the ribosome and before it becomes a mature protein.
cold desertDesert found in the high latitudes and at high altitudes where precipitation is low
self-pollinationThe transfer of pollen from anther to stigma in the same flower or to another flower of the same plant, leading to self-fertilization.
environmental grainAn ecological term for the effect of spatial variation, or patchiness, relative to the size and behavior of an organism.
prenatal diagnosisThe detection of fetal abnormalities during pregnancy.
eukaryaone of the three major groups (called Domains) of life on Earth
stem cellUndifferentiated, primitive cells in the bone marrow that have the ability both to multiply and to differentiate into specific blood cells.
thermokarstLandscape dominated by depressions, pits, and caves that is created by the thawing of ground ice in high latitude locations
vernal equinoxOne of two days during the year when the declination of the Sun is at the equator
affinityBinding strength between binding partners, e.g., antibody/antigen
pubertythe stage of maturation of an individual when secondary sexual characteristics begin to develop and sexual reproduction first becomes possible.  These changes are genetically controlled and triggered by hormones.
heterochronyEvolutionary change in the timing or rate of an organism's development.
performanceSkills or abilities a learner needs to acquire or demonstrate.
fusogenA substance that induces membrane fusion.
recombinant dna libraryA collection of genomic or cDNA clones.
knockinAn alteration of a gene in a way that results in a gain of function.
beaufort wind scaleDescriptive system that determines wind speed by noting the effect of the wind on the environment
populationA group of individuals residing in a given area at a given time.
halothaneA volatile anaesthetic.
consanguineous  Descriptive of a mating between related persons
interactions databaseSee BioGRID.
cell commitmentThat stage in a cell's life when it be comes committed to a certain line of development.
additive modelA model in which a quantitative trait is the sum of effects of all the genes involved and of a random environment.
glaucocystophyteMember of a phylum of eukaryotes that contains single-celled photosynthetic species.
mixed tideTides that have a higher high water and lower high water as well as higher low water and lower low water per tidal period.
viroidAn autonomously replicating plant pathogen.
closed circulatory systemA circulatory system in which blood is confined to vessels and is kept separate from the interstitial fluid.
xylemThe water-conducting tissue of a vascular plant
down's syndromeAn abnormal human phenotype that includes mental retardation, slanting eyes and a small mouth are present due to a trisomy of chromosome 21
virologyThe study of the biology of viruses.
subtractive hybridizationA process that eliminates cDNAs shared by two libraries by hybridization
deciduous teethThe first set of teeth, which are replaced during growth by permanent teeth.
erythrocytesthe hemoglobin-containing cell found in the blood of vertebrates.
outgassingThe release of gas from cooling molten rock or the interior of the Earth
excretionThe disposal of nitrogen-containing waste products of metabolism
moiSee Multipilicity Of Infection.
biodiversityThe diversity of different species (species diversity), genetic variability among individuals within each species (genetic diversity), and variety of ecosystems (ecosystem diversity)
epidermis(1) The dermal tissue system of nonwoody plants, usually consisting of a single layer of tightly packed cells
temporal geneA gene that programs the development of a system, determining the activation of structural and regulatory genes in various cell types.
electron tomographyA method used to generate three-dimensional images by computer analysis of multiple two-dimensional images obtained by electron microscopy.
deciduous vegetationType of vegetation that sheds its leaves during winter or dry seasons
population diffusion coefficientThe tendency of motile cells to diffuse through the environment.
chemical equilibriumIn a reversible chemical reaction, the point at which the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction.
intellectual propertyintangible assets such as patents, trade secrets, trade names, etc.
yeast culturesYeast cells growing in vitro in a solution containing all the necessary nutrients and trace elements necessary for normal growth.
base excision repair(BER)
tautomerOne of a set of possible alternative structures.
batesian mimicryA type of mimicry in which a harmless species looks like a species that is poisonous or otherwise harmful to predators.
keratinAny of the various sulphur-containing fibrous proteins that form the chemical basis for keratinized epidermal tissues such as hair, nails, feathers, and horns of animals.
suspension feedingFeeding on suspended particles
selectionThe process by which the forms of organisms in a population that are better adapted to the environmental conditions increase in frequency relative to less well-adapted forms over a number of generations.
endometriumThe inner lining of the uterus, which is richly supplied with blood vessels.
species richnessThe number of species in a biological community.
pharmacogeneticsStudying an individual's genetic make up in order to predict responses to a drug and guide prescription.
complementary dnaa single strand of DNA made in the lab to complement the bases in a strand of messenger RNA.
hominidA species on the human branch of the evolutionary tree; a member of the family Hominidae, including Homo sapiens and our ancestors.
stream channelLong trough-like depression that is normally occupied by the water in a stream.
western blottingSee immunoblotting.
mycotoxinA toxin produced by fungi.
distal tubuleIn the vertebrate kidney, the portion of a nephron that helps refine filtrate and empties it into a collecting duct.
flow cytometryThe analysis and sorting of cells that have been reacted with fluorescent probes
ray initialsCells within the vascular cambrium that produce xylem and phloem rays, radial files that consist mostly of parenchyma cells.
bulbA modified bud with thickened leaves adapted for underground food storage.
threatened speciesA species that is considered likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
nitrogenA common element in organic and living organisms.
continental driftA theory, originally proposed by Alfred Wegener, that the continents were once part of a single land mass and have since moved across the Earth to their present locations
electroporationThe application of electric current to a living surface (as the skin or plasma membrane of a cell) in order to open pores or channels through which a biologic material may pass (as a drug or DNA).
solute potentialA component of water potential that is proportional to the number of dissolved solute molecules in a solution and measures the effect of solutes on the direction of water movement; also called osmotic potential, it can be either zero or negative.
faeroe platformAn extensive block of igneous rock located between Britain and Greenland - part of the continental connection between Europe and North America in the early Cenozoic before formation of the North Atlantic by rifting.
photonA quantum, or discrete amount, of light energy.
trichologyThe study of the structure, functions, and diseases of the hair.
tectonicsSee plate tectonics.
competitionInteraction where two or more organisms in the same space require the same resource (e.g., food, water, nesting space, and ground space) which is in limiting supply to the individuals seeking it
micronutrientNutritional element required by an organism in relatively very small quantities.
karyotypeThe term used to describe an individual's chromosomes that have been photographed through a microscope and then arranged according to a standard classification based on their group and size
monovalentPossessing a single charge or valency.
islets of langerhansClusters of endocrine cells within the pancreas that produce and secrete the hormones glucagon (alpha cells) and insulin (beta cells).
structural landformIs a landform created by massive Earth movements due to plate tectonics
osmoregulatorAn animal whose body fluids have a different osmolarity than the environment and that must either discharge excess water if it lives in a hypoosmotic environment or take in water if it inhabits a hyperosmotic environment.
tautomerismA type of isomerism in which the two isomes are in equilibrium.
dolicholn
electrospray ionization-mass spectrometryA method for the solution ionization and mass analysis of macromolecules and small polar molecules.
gliaSupporting cells that are essential for the structural integrity of the nervous system and for the normal functioning of neurons.
phagotrophAn organism which feeds by phagocytosis.
eccentricityGeometric shape of the Earth's orbit
psychrophileAn organism that grows optimally at low temperatures.
geographyThe study natural and human constructed phenomena relative to a spatial dimension.
spreading centerA divergent margin along which two continental plates are moving away from one another and where new crust is being created
desiccated/DEH-sick-kate-əd/ adj
descent with modificationDarwin's initial phrase for the general process of evolution.
cycloneArea of low pressure in the atmosphere that displays circular inward movement of air
density-gradient centrifugationSeparation of molecules and particles on the basis of buoyant density, by centrifugation in a concentrated sucrose or caesium chloride solution.
random driftThe random change in genotype frequency caused by random variation in individual reproduction
informaticsThe study of the application of computer and statistical techniques to the management of information
complement systemA group of about 30 blood proteins that may amplify the inflammatory response, enhance phagocytosis, or directly lyse pathogens
internal testingAn internal test is one that is created and administered by the laboratory itself.
trophic structureThe different feeding relationships in an ecosystem that determine the route of energy flow and the pattern of chemical cycling.
replica platingA technique in which an impression of a culture is taken from a master plate and transferred to a fresh plate
aidsThe name of the late stages of HIV infection; defined by a specified reduction of T cells and the appearance of characteristic secondary infections.
multidrug resistanceThe resistance of cancer cells to a range of anti-cancer drugs, usually caused by pumping of toxic drugs out of the cell before they can affect it.
receptorA protein that binds an extracellular ligand
sensationAn impulse sent to the brain from activated receptors and sensory neurons.
sac fungusMember of the phylum Ascomycota
circumpolarSurrounding a terrestrial pole
dysmorphologyComes from the Greek DYS - meaning abnormal, disease, faulty, impaired and MORPHOLOGY - meaning structure or form
opposable thumbAn arrangement of the fingers such that the thumb can touch the ventral surface of the fingertips of all four fingers.
virulentharmful or deadly.  A virulent pneumonia is deadly and harmful.
logarithmic scaleMeasurement scale based on logarithms
sSee selection differential.
swim bladderIn aquatic osteichthyans, an air sac that enables the animal to control its buoyancy in the water.
xenobioticA synthetic chemical that affects living systems.
ssrSee simple sequence repeats.
monoclineA fold in layered rock that creates a slight bend.
sociobiologyThe study of social behavior based on evolutionary theory.
synergya situation where the effect of a combination of two agents is greater than if the individual effects of those agents were added together.
biological weatheringThe disintegration of rock and mineral due to the chemical and/or physical agents of an organism.
value-added traitsModified crops produced with traits such as improved taste, nutritional value, or utility to provide value for the consumer.
schizogonyA type of multiple fission that occurs in the life cycle of several groups of protozoa including microsporidia
neuronA nerve cell that receives and conducts electrical impulses from the brain.
chromosomeDeletions can lead to diseases and disorders depending on where they occur
probeA specific sequence of single-stranded DNA
regional metamorphismLarge scale metamorphic modification of existing rock through the heat and pressure of plutons created at tectonic zones of subduction.
coralSimple marine animals that live symbiotically with algae
specific heatIs the heat capacity of a unit mass of a substance or heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram (g) of a substance 1 degree Celsius.
metabolic profilingThe measurement of biochemical intermediates within a tissue in order to describe the functioning of metabolic pathways.
antitoxinsAntibodies that interlock with and inactivate toxins produced by certain bacteria.
scientific advisory boarda group of esteemed scientists and business professionals, independent from management that provides objective feedback and guidance on a company's progress and goals.
symbiosisAn ecological relationship between organisms of two different species that live together in direct contact.
alphafetoproteinA protein, which is made by the fetus, that can be found in the mother's blood circulation
serumThe liquid component of clotted blood
amino acidThe basic subunit of proteins.
confirmatory testConfirm or rule out a medical condition in an individual with concerning symptoms or an out-of-range screening result.
cliffA tall steep rock face.
hemizygousHaving only one copy of a particular gene
glycobiologyThe biochemistry of glycoconjugates.
meltwaterWater produced from the melting of snow and/or glacial ice.
dipOne of the directional properties of a geologic structure such as a fold or a fault
thermodynamics(1) The study of energy transformations that occur in a collection of matter
tetrahydrobiopterinA naturally occurring substance (a cofactor) that is essential for the activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase (the enzyme that is deficient in PKU)
micronucleusThe smaller of the two nuclei found in ciliate cells
chimeraA special kind of mosaicism in which an individual or tissue contains a mix of cells derived from two genetically different individuals
celluloseA type of carbohydrate
glacial valleyValley that was influenced by the presence of glaciers
apertureSmall opening, for example the opening in the test of a foram.
gbrowseDeveloped by the Generic Model Organism Database (GMOD) project, GBrowse is an interactive genome browser that can be customized to show selected chromosomal features as well as display user provided annotations.
ddbjDNA DataBase of Japan
cross-sectional studyThe study of a population at a point in time
energy trappingThe capture of energy released in one reaction for use in a second reaction.
phase iiclinical trial that evaluates an experimental drug's safety, assesses side effects, and establishes dosage guidelines.
postzygotic isolationReproductive isolation that acts after production of a hybrid zygote through hybrid inviability or sterility.
circum-pacific beltA zone circling the edge of the Pacific Ocean basin where tectonic subduction causes the formation of volcanoes and trenches
krebs cycleSee tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
evaporiteType of sedimentary rock that is formed from the concentration of dissolved salts through evaporation.
föhn windEuropean equivalent of chinook wind.
ionic compoundA compound resulting from the formation of an ionic bond; also called a salt.
laserA device that emits an intense coherent monochromatic light beam.
dominantA dominant gene will almost always be expressed and lead to a specific physical characteristic
laurasiaNorthern section of Pangaea.
prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia(PIN)
tidal zoneArea along the coastline that is influence by the rise and fall of tides.
metapopulationA subdivided population of a single species.
deductionInference in which the conclusion about particulars follows necessarily from general theory
daltonA measure of mass for atoms and subatomic particles.
ommatidiumOne of the facets of the compound eye of arthropods and some polychaete worms.
cistronA genetic unit that encodes a single polypeptide chain.
recurrence riskThe risk that a genetic condition will occur again in a family.
cesarean sectiona surgically-assisted birth in which an incision is made in the walls of the mother’s abdomen and uterus and the baby is removed without passing through the birth canal; also called C-section.
dominantadj
noninvasive ventilationNoninvasive ventilation is the delivery of ventilatory support without the need for an invasive artificial airway
markerSee: genetic marker
inbredProduced by mating between relatives.
isothermLines on a map joining points of equal temperature.
corpus callosumThe thick band of nerve fibers that connect the right and left cerebral hemispheres in placental mammals, enabling the hemispheres to process information together.
consanguinityRelated through at least one common ancestor.
organ identity genesPlant homeotic genes that use positional information to determine which emerging leaves develop into which types of floral organs.
respiratory surfaceThe part of an animal where gases are exchanged with the environment.
stoichiometryRatio of molecules in a structural complex or chemical reaction.
callusAn undifferentiated mass of plant cells in culture.
holocene epochPeriod of time from about 10,000 years ago to today
scutellumA specialized type of cotyledon found in the grass family.
exteroreceptorA sensory receptor that detects stimuli outside the body, such as heat, light, pressure, and chemicals
sensory receptorA specialized structure that responds to specific stimuli from an animal's external or internal environment; transmits the information of an environmental stimulus to the animal's nervous system by converting stimulus energy to the electrochemical energy of action potentials.
genetic backgroundThe set of genes with which a gene of interest is associated
developmental biologyThe study of the processes by which an organism changes from a single cell into a mature, multicellular individual.
blowout depressionSaucer shaped depressions created by wind erosion
dominant lethalSee lethal.
bowen reaction seriesModel that explains the origin of the various types of igneous rocks
molecular electronicsElectronic devices based on components consisting of individual molecules.
flowerThe reproductive structure of angiosperms; a complete flower includes sepals, petals, stamens (male structures), and carpels (female structures).
pharmacogenomicsIn its broader sense, it can be defined as the study of the genome and its products (including RNA and protein) as they relate to drug discovery and development.
biomassthe total amount of living material within a given area
seed dispersalMovement of a plant seed away from the parent plant by a passive or active mechanism.
dormancy/DORE-mən-see/ n
cationAn ion with a positive charge.
cri-du-chat syndromea chromosomal condition (monosomy 5p)
expected heterozygosityMean value of all the expected allelic frequencies, for all loci in a sample.
critical micelle concentrationThe lowest concentration of a detergent at which molecules aggregate to form micellar structures.
leading strandDuring DNA replication, the strand that is synthesized in the 5′ to 3′ direction by continuous polymerization at the growing 3′ tip.
estrogenA female sex
just-so storiesUntestable explanations for adaptations.
strike-slip faultFault that primarily displays horizontal displacement.
western blotA technique used to identify and locate proteins based on their ability to bind to specific antibodies
palindromeA sequence of bases that reads the same in both directions on opposite strands of the DNA duplex (e.g., GAATTC).
alternate assortmentSeparation of chromosomes in anaphase I of reciprocal translocation heterozygotes such that homologous centromeres migrate to opposite poles
physiologyStudy of the functions of living organisms and the factors that influence those functions.
standard atmospheric pressureA pressure of 101.32 kilopascals or 1013.2 millibars.
histology(Gr
ejaculatory ductIn the male, a duct from each testis that join to form the urethra.
mass spectrometerAn instrument that determines the exact mass of charged particles or ions by measuring the flight path through a set of magnetic and electric fields
gene dopingThe non-therapeutic use of cells
perennialPlant that lives from year to year.
species treeA phylogenetic tree showing the relationships among species
entropyA quantitative measure of disorder
saltationA variation of large effect; also, a major mutation.
hivThe virus that causes AIDS.
chondrichthyesThe vertebrate class of cartilaginous fishes, represented by sharks and their relatives.
psoriasisChronic, immune system: related disease, causing inflammation and damage to involved tissues, primarily the skin
breathingThe process involving alternate inhalation and exhalation of air that ventilates the lungs.
ultrameric treeA phylogenetic tree in which the branch lengths are constrained to all be equidistant from the root
knowledge miningThe extraction of useful knowledge from data patterns that have been rendered meaningful by the integration of information derived from external sources.
hairy root cultureA plant culture system based on highly branched roots generated by plant tissue with agrobacterium rhizogenes
cytoskeletona network of microscopic fibers that stabilize the shape of a eukaryotic cell and function in intracellular transport.
loricaA vase-shaped or cup-shaped outer covering
armadillo  [Spanish diminutive of armado, from Latin armatus.] A small nocturnal mammal of the family Dasypodidae, the icon of the Austin area because of its "live and let live" attitude
euglenoidMember of a class of eukaryotic microorganisms bearing flagella
serotypeA group of closely related microorganisms distinguished by a characteristic set of antigens.
paternal inheritancethe inheritance of a trait from the male gamete.
mid-oceanic ridgeChain of submarine mountains where oceanic crust is created from rising magma plumes and volcanic activity
bufferA solution containing agents that maintain a constant pH during a biochemical reaction.
pathogenAny agent that can cause disease.
facultative aerobeAn organism that can use molecular oxygen in its metabolism but that also can live anaerobically.
blastodermThe stage in embryogenesis when a unicellular layer at the surface surrounds the yolk mass.
progesteroneA steroid hormone produced by the ovaries.
nutrient cycleThe cycling of a single element by various abiotic and biotic processes through the various stores found in the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
primary productionSynthesis and storage of organic molecules (biomass), starting with fixation of CO2 by photosynthesis, in plants and microorganisms.
positionIn the Colleague information, "Position" refers to the job title held
bioinformaticsComputational or algorithmic approaches to the analysis and integration of genomic, proteomic, or chemical data residing in databases
g protein-coupled receptorA receptor characterized by seven membrane-spanning α helices
learningThe process that leads to modification in individual behavior as the result of experience.
stemflowIs the process that directs precipitation down plant branches and stems
osmotrophicA form of nutrition in which soluble compounds are taken up by the organism, either by pinocytosis or by mechanisms capable of transporting one or a few molecules at a time (membrane pumps).
in vitroAutosome: A chromosome not involved in sex determination
molecular weightThe sum of the atomic weights of the constituent atoms in a molecule.
cystic fibrosisAn inherited disease that results in abnormal mucus secretion that produces severe respiratory problems, incomplete digestion and increased salt secretion in sweat.
gene by environment interactionEvent for which the phenotypic expression associated with a particular gene or genotype dependents on the environment in which the individuals with the genotype exists.
imaging agentA chemical that is readily detectable by a medical imaging system
population densityNumber of individuals of a particular species found in a specified area.
odds ratioA measure of relative risk or effect size that is usually estimated from case-control studies.
leafThe main site of photosynthesis in a plant; consists of a flattened blade and a stalk (petiole) that joins the leaf to the stem.
robustnessIn regards to methods of analysis, a measure of how dependent a result is on the assumptions of the method being used to obtain the result.
molecule  The charge arises from loss or gain of electrons in the outer electron shell of an atom.  In the case of loss of one or more electrons, which are negatively charged, the remaining atom becomes positively charged because of the positively charged protons in the nucleus.  In the case of gain of one or more electrons, the atom becomes negatively charged.  A positively charged atom or molecule is called a cation, and a negatively charged atom or molecule is an anion.
difficultyThe level of challenge or complexity of a learning activity.
nerve fiberA filamentous process extending from the cell body of a neuron and conducting the nerve impulse; an axon.
virusA sub-microscopic infectious agent that is unable to grow or reproduce outside a host cell.
helixAny structure with a spiral shape
arbuscular mycorrhizaA distinct type of endomycorrhiza formed by glomeromycete fungi, in which the tips of the fungal hyphae that invade the plant roots branch into tiny treelike structures called arbuscules.
cyclic adenosine monophosphateA 'second messenger' molecule generated from AMP by adenyl cyclase following activation by a G-protein.
coefficient of determinationStatistic that measures the proportion of the variation in the dependent variable that is associated with the statistical regression of an independent variable
penicillinan antibiotic naturally produced by some molds of the genus Penicillium that interferes with the construction of new bacterial cell walls.
posteriorOf or pertaining to the rear, or tail, end.
accession numberThe unique identifier assigned to new sequence information submitted to a major database.
weatheringPhysical, chemical or biological breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller sized particles.
secretion(1) The discharge of molecules synthesized by a cell
first degree relativeA relative who is a person’s biological mother, father, full sibling, or child
mycosisAny disease caused by the presence of fungi.
micrometerA unit of measure in the metric system
double helixTwin, parallel spirals that form the backbone of DNA
pericycleThe outermost layer of the vascular cylinder of a root, where lateral roots originate.
mesodermThe middle of the three germ layers of an embryo that forms the connective, musculoskeletal, and vascular tissue.
stochasticA random process; a process determined by a random distribution of probabilities.
tetraploidRefers to cells in organisms possessing four times the haploid chromosome number
preformationThe current view that the fertilized egg carries instructions for the development of complex organs and tissues is an example of epigenesis.
spinal cordPart of the vertebrate central nervous system; consists of a thick, dorsal, longitudinal bundle of nerve fibers extending posteriorly from the brain.
lyon hypothesis  The hypothesis, first clearly stated by Mary F
narrow-sense heritabilitySee heritability.
abdominal cavityThe body cavity in mammals that primarily houses parts of the digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems
geoidTrue shape of the Earth, which deviates from a perfect sphere because of a slight bulge at the equator.
inner earOne of three main regions of the vertebrate ear; includes the cochlea, organ of Corti, and semicircular canals.
sexual reproductionAny process of reproduction that does involve the fusion of gametes.
hydrolysisThe cleavage of a molecule by the addition of water
herpes virusesViruses which can affect the skin and central nervous system, includes Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster, and Cytomegalovirus.
structured populationSee population structure.
mutagenicTending to produce mutations.
epidermis1
carbon sinkA pool (reservoir) that absorbs or takes up released carbon from another part of the carbon cycle
valley fogFog formed by the movement of cooler, more dense air from higher elevations to the warm valley bottom.
carbon fixationConversion of inorganic carbon dioxide to organic compounds by photosynthesis.
soil permeabilityThe rate at which water and air move vertically through a soil.
polyclonalDerived from multiple clones.
generic drugthe version of an approved drug produced by a competitor after a pioneer firm's patents expires.
heuristic algorithmA programming strategy based on trial-and-error methods and feedback evaluation.
wild typeAn individual with the normal (most common) phenotype.
essential nutrientA substance that an organism must absorb in preassembled form because it cannot be synthesized from any other material
cell-mediated immunityThe type of immunity that functions in defense against fungi, protists, bacteria, and viruses inside host cells and against tissue transplants, with highly specialized cells that circulate in the blood and lymphoid tissue.
privacy protectionsEnsure that blood spots cannot be accessed by a third party, including insurers and law enforcement.
seawaterThe mixture of water and various dissolved salts found in the world's oceans and seas.
incomplete flowerA flower in which one or more of the four basic floral organs (sepals, petals, stamens, or carpels) are either absent or nonfunctional.
transcriptioncAMP (cyclic AMP) An important regulatory molecule in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
x-scidSevere combined immunodeficiency
microgravity chamberA rotating wall vessel bioreactor used for tissue engineering that neutralizes gravitational effects on cells
plastic deformationIrreversible change in the shape of a material without fracture as the result of the force of compression or expansion.
grasslandA region where grass is the dominant vegetation
morphologythe form or structure of an organism; anatomy.
calcificationA dry environment soil-forming process that results in the accumulation of calcium carbonate in surface soil layers.
simple sequence repeatsA sequence consisting largely of a tandem repeat of a specific k-mer (such as (CA)15)
vascular plantsDivision of plants with vascular tissues, which function in transporting fluids.
macroevolutionEvolutionary change on a grand scale, encompassing the origin of novel designs, evolutionary trends, adaptive radiation, and mass extinction.
coelacanthAny member of the order Coelacanthiformes, a lineage of lobe-finned bony fish that dates back to the Devonian
glacial troughA deep U-shaped valley with steep valley walls that was formed from glacial erosion
lavaMolten magma released from a volcanic vent or fissure.
eukaryotesadvanced cell type with a nuclear membrane surrounding genetic material and numerous membrane-bound organelles dispersed in a complex cellular structure
apical domainThe exposed free surface of a polarized epithelial cell.
androgen insensitivity  [Gene symbol AIS.] A disorder in which tissues lack functional androgen receptors and therefore cannot respond to testosterone
average heterozygosityThe percent, on average, of a population's loci that are heterozygous in members of the population.
transcriptomicsGlobal analysis of expression levels of all RNA transcripts present in a cell at a given time.
germ lineA cell line that gives rise to gametes.
eukaryotesall living things whose cells have nuclei (most living things).
penetranceThe degree to which a genetic disorder is expressed phenotypically.
polysomeSee Polyribosome.
steroid hormoneA member of a group of hydrophobic hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, that are derivatives of cholesterol.
totipotentCapable of developing into every cell of the body
colinearMarkers that occur in a sequential order in a DNA or protein sequence.
nucleusThe information center of a cell
wet-bulb depressionThe value calculated by subtracting a wet-bulb thermometer reading from a dry-bulb thermometer reading
polymorphismThe coexistence of two or more distinct forms in the same population.
natural logarithmThe logarithm (log) to base e where e ≈ 2.718
biodiversitythe diversity or variety of living organisms in a particular environment.
baculovirusA type of virus that specifically infects insect cells.
benign tumorA tumor that is not cancerous and does not metastasize.
chaperoninA family of heat-shock proteins within which protein folding takes place.
preferential amplificationImbalanced amplification or lack of amplification of DNA at a locus.
scanning electron microscopySee electron microscopy.
exonucleaseAn enzyme that hydrolyzes DNA molecules in either the 5′ to 3′ or 3′ to 5′ direction.
hypothesis testingProcess where an alternative and a null hypothesis are statistically tested for the purpose of falsifying a hypothesis.
balticaAn ancient continent made up of the land masses surrounding the modern Baltic sea
recombinationThe exchange of genetic material.
desertificationConversion of marginal rangeland or cropland to a more desert like land type
polyspermy blockThe process that prevents the egg cell or the central cell from being fertilized by more than one sperm cell
convergent evolutionThe acquisition by two unrelated, and perhaps very distantly related, evolutionary lineages of the same or similar trait
chemotherapeuticDescription of the type of cancer treatment - in this case by drugs as opposed to e.g
etoposideA well-established chemotherapeutic agent that has demonstrated high efficacy in combination therapy with Topotect.
thermophileA microorganism that grows optimally in high-temperature environments.
molecular sieveA material with pores capable of separating molecules on the basis of size.
iontophoresisThe transfer of ions across cell membranes due to the application of an electrical potential.
declinationLocation (latitude) on the Earth where the Sun on a particular day is directly overhead (90° from horizon) at solar noon
constitutive geneGène de régulation : Gène dont la fonction essentielle est de contrôler le taux d'expression d'un ou de plusieurs autres gènes
polar highSurface area of atmospheric high pressure located at about 90° North and South latitude
virulenceThe degree of pathogenicity of a parasite.
antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicityAn immune response in which antibody, by coating target cells, makes them vulnerable to attack by immune cells.
lymphatic systemmajor component of the immune system, it consists of a network of (lymph) vessels and (lymph) nodes that remove fluid and particles such as bacteria from tissue, filters this fluid and returns it to the blood system.
amphipathic helixAn alpha helix that is hydrophobic on one side and hydrophilic on the other.
syndromeA group of symptoms that helps a doctor diagnose a particular condition or disease.  For example, an oddly-shaped head, slanting eyes, a single crease on the palm, and delayed mental and social skills are all symptoms of Down Syndrome.
clinical translationProcess that transforms research evidence into clinical guidelines and policy
ponsPortion of the brain that participates in certain automatic, homeostatic functions, such as regulating the breathing centers in the medulla.
informativityInsert : Séquence d'ADN étranger introduite dans une molécule d'ADN donnée
protistaGroup, at the kingdom level, in the classification of life
mudA defective derivative of phage Mu
specialistA healthcare provider who has special knowledge about a condition or a specific part of a condition.
ab initio gene predictionThe prediction of exon structure within a gene using computational algorithms
ecosystemAn ecosystem is a system where populations of species group together into communities and interact with each other and the abiotic environment.
action potentialchanges in membrance potential that characterize a nerve impulse; essentially the depolarization of a neuron.
cellThe basic unit of all organisms
inversionAn aberration in chromosome structure resulting from an error in meiosis or from mutagens; reattachment in a reverse orientation of a chromosomal fragment to the chromosome from which the fragment originated.
wave cycloneSee mid-latitude cyclone.
insulinA hormone that promotes the conversion of glucose to glycogen
imprintingThe differential expression of genes due to differential methylation of nucleosides.
enzymeA protein that acts as a catalyst, speeding the rate at which a biochemical reaction proceeds but not altering the direction or nature of the reaction.
prototrophA microorganism strain that requires the same nutrients as the wild-type strain.
algorithmAn explicit computational procedure that uses a precise sequence of simple operations to perform a complex operation
biofoulingWhen living organisms attach to and start living on any object that is submerged in the sea
phScale used to measure the alkalinity or acidity of a substance through the determination of the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution
biosequestrationBiologically mediated uptake and conversion of carbon dioxide to inert, long-lived, carbon-containing materials.
greenhouse effectThe warming of planet Earth due to the atmospheric accumulation of carbon dioxide, which absorbs infrared radiation and slows its escape from the irradiated Earth.
fresh waterWater that is relatively free of salts.
cumulonimbus cloudA well developed vertical cloud that often has top shaped like an anvil
prevailing windDominant direction that a wind blows from for a location or region.
ribosomal rnaThe most abundant type of RNA, which together with proteins forms the structure of ribosomes
geographic information systema database that uses spatial and geographic information to create detailed maps
a.f.i.s.Automated Fingerprint Identification System
nulliparanəl-IP-ə-rə/ A woman who has not borne offspring.
till plainExtensive flat plain of till that forms when a sheet of ice becomes detached from the main body of the glacier and melts in place depositing the sediments it carried.
schistA medium to coarse grained metamorphic rock with well developed bedding planes derived from the foliated recrystrallization of platy like minerals like mica.
overthrust faultFault produced by the fracturing of rock in a fold because of intense compression.
bileA mixture of substances that is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and acts as a detergent to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats.
salt marshCoastal wetland ecosystem that is inundated for some period of time by seawater
biodiversityThe totality of genes, species, and ecosystems of a region.
selective permeabilityA property of biological membranes that allows some substances to cross more easily than others.
obliquityTilt of the Earth's polar axis as measured from the perpendicular to the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun
secondary pollutantAtmospheric pollutants that are created chemically in the atmosphere when primary pollutants and other components of the air react
smooth muscleA type of muscle lacking the striations of skeletal and cardiac muscle because of the uniform distribution of myosin filaments in the cell.
south magnetic poleLocation in the Southern Hemisphere where the lines of force from Earth's magnetic field are vertical
adrenalineA hormone, produced by the medulla of the adrenal gland, that increases the concentration of glucose in the blood, raises blood pressure and heartbeat rate, and increases muscular power and resistance to fatigue; also a neurotransmitter across synaptic junctions
functional groupA group within a molecule that confers characteristic properties.
progeriaA rare disease characterized by accelerated aging.
tropic of capricornLatitude of 23.5° South
population viability analysisA method of predicting whether or not a population will persist.
infiltration capacityThe ability of a soil to absorb surface water.
rain gaugeInstrument that measures the rain that falls at a location over a period of time.
staple lengthThe length of the individual fibres of cotton
traitAny detectable variation in a genetic character.
wave periodThe time elapsed for a wave to travel the distance of one wavelength.
agenta pathogen - also termed disease organism - that is identified as part of the infectious cycle
anemiaA low red blood cell count
peptidoglycanThe principal component of bacterial cell walls consisting of linear polysaccharide chains cross-linked by short peptides.
theta-replicationReplication of a circular molecule of double-stranded DNA by initiation at a unique origin and proceeding in one or both directions around the molecule
bermuda highHigh pressure system that develops over the western subtropical North Atlantic
cratonStable foundation core of the Earth's various plates of continental crust
undefined mediumA growth medium in which not all the components have been identified
model organismsOrganisms used in medical research to mimic a disease found in humans and to study its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
signal-recognition particleA proteinRNA complex that recognizes a signal peptide as it emerges from the ribosome.
survivorA survivor is one who succeeds in lasting a long time
double fertilizationThe unique mode of fertilization seen only in angiosperms, where two sperm cells fertilize two separate cells within the embryo sac (one cell contains the egg and the other contains two polar nuclei).
newtonA unit of force that creates an acceleration on a mass of 1 kilogram equal to 1 meter per second with no friction and under the conditions of a vacuum.
natural serviceActual mating between males and females in contrast to artificial insemination.
deranged drainageDrainage pattern that is highly irregular
pluripotencyThe potential of a cell to develop into more than one type of mature cell, depending on environment.
dicynodontA member of a group of Permo-Triassic herbivorous pig-like terrestrial vertebrates
ovarian aspirationRemoval of oocytes through a needle inserted into a follicle of the ovary with suction applied to the needle.
decimorgan/DES-ə-MORE-gən/ See: Morgan unit.
nuclear transfer technologyA method of cloning a living organism
genotypic varianceThe variance of the genotypic value: var(G)= VG.
diatommicroscopic, single-celled photosynthetic organisms with an external skeleton of silica.
fecesThe wastes of the digestive tract
lymph nodeOrgan located along a lymph vessel
consensus sequenceA idealized nucleotide sequence that represents a sequence that serves some particular function (e.g
full gene sequenceThe complete order of bases in a gene
lymphokineA factor released by lymphocytes that modulates other cell types.
ampThe abbreviation for adenosine monophosphate; also written as 5' AMP, since the phosphate is attached to ribose moiety at position 5.
fertilisationThe union of male and female reproductive cells (gametes), during the process of sexual reproduction, to form a cell called a zygote.
turnover numberThe number of product molecules produced per minute by an enzyme catalyzing a reaction at the maximum rate.
genetic predispositiona susceptibility to disease that is related to a genetic condition, which may or may not result in actual development of the disease.
jumping geneAnother name for a transposon.
dendriteA branching process of a neuron that transmits impulses to the body of the neuron.
diagnosis/die-ag-NOE-səs, die-əg-/ n
atrioventricular nodeA region of specialized muscle tissue between the right atrium and right ventricle where electrical impulses are delayed for about 0.1 second before spreading to the ventricles and causing them to contract.
anoxicAn environment in which there is no free oxygen present
e. coliCommon bacterium that has been studied intensively by geneticists because of its small genome size, normal lack of pathogenicity, and ease of growth in the laboratory.
andragogyDr
ecological nicheIs all of the physical, chemical and biological conditions required by a species for survival, growth and reproduction
root pressureThe upward push of xylem sap in the vascular tissue of roots.
forward mutationMutation from wild type to a mutant allele.
endonucleaseAn enzyme which digests nucleic acids starting in the middle of the strand (as opposed to an exonuclease, which must start at an end)
selection gradientThe gradient of a regression of fitness on trait value.
patch-clampA technique that uses a microelectrode to record current flow across a membrane.
active transportenergy-requiring process that moves material across a cell membrane against a concentration difference.
sieve tube memberA chain of living cells that form sieve tubes in phloem.
hatch-waxman actcontains provisions to foster the development of generic drugs and support pioneer drug development.
direct relativeRelative in direct line of descent.
non-conformancesInconsistencies in laboratory practices that do not meet accreditation standards.
growth hormonea protein produced by the pituitary gland that promotes growth of the whole body
inflammationThe immediate defense of tissue against infection or injury.
fertilisationThe union of male and female reproductive cells (gametes) during the process of sexual reproduction to form a cell called a zygote.
reflected waveA water wave that reflects off the shore or another obstacle and is redirected towards the sea or lake.
daughter cellsThe cells produced by division of a single parent cell.
thermal equatorContinuous area on the globe that has the highest surface temperatures because of the presence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
genetic complementationThe restoration of function by the introduction of exogenous DNA.
oceanA body of saline water found occupying all or part of the Earth's ocean basins
substrateA molecule acted upon by an enzyme.
gait trainerA gait trainer is a type of walker, which provides considerable postural support for patients who require moderate to maximum support for ambulation
mountain breezeLocal thermal circulation pattern found in areas of topographic relief
parasitismA symbiotic relationship in which the symbiont (parasite) benefits at the expense of the host by living either within the host (as an endoparasite) or outside the host (as an ectoparasite).
big crunchCollapse of the Universe into its original form before the Big Bang
ground tissue systemPlant tissues that are neither vascular nor dermal, fulfilling a variety of functions, such as storage, photosynthesis, and support.
anamnestic reactionAn increase in immune response following repeated exposure to an antigen.
divergent evolution/də-VERJ-ənt, die-/ adj
gymnospermsNon-flowering seed plants, for example, pine.
nuclear receptorA special class of receptor that is "receptive" to the influence of certain hormones and other molecules)
ecological diversitySee ecosystem diversity.
medianStatistical measure of central tendency in a set of data
nucleoplasmThe protoplasm within the nuclear envelope.
adult stem cellsUndifferentiated cells in a tissue
latent infectionAn inapparent infection in which the pathogen is still present in a noninfective phase, and in which a certain pathogen-host equilibrium is established
body languagePosture and demeanor observed by the learner.
lymph nodesSmall bean-shaped organs of the immune system, distributed widely throughout the body and linked by lymphatic vessels
pleistoceneThe geological period between 1.8 Mya and ~11,000 years ago
liposomeMicroscopic, fat-containing, bubble created in the laboratory which is used to deliver drugs through the bloodstream.
ionotropicA receptor that mediates its effects by regulating ion channels.
system relationshipIs the association that exist between the elements and attributes of a system based on cause and effect.
intertidalthe coastal marine zone between high and low tide; also called the littoral zone
dna sequenceThe sequence of genetic “letters,” or nucleotides, in a piece of DNA
law of basin areasMorphometric relationship observed in the mean basin area size of stream segments of a particular classification order in stream channel branching
electronegativityThe attraction of an atom for the electrons of a covalent bond.
nucleic acidThese are the large molecules constituting DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
photonA discrete unit of radiant energy.
pathogenicGiving origin to disease or morbid symptoms.
somatic cell gene therapyIncorporating new genetic material into cells for therapeutic purposes
western blotA technique for the separation, immobilization, and detection of proteins, usually by a labeled antibody.
browserAny vertebrate animal that feeds on the twigs, shoots, and leaves of trees and shrubs.
entropyEntropy is the measure of the disorder or randomness of energy and matter in a system.
neurosecretory cellsHypothalamus cells that receive signals from other nerve cells, but instead of signaling to an adjacent nerve cell or muscle, they release hormones into the bloodstream.
third filial generationProgeny resulting from the crossing of two second filial, F2, generation individuals.
validationThe process of extensive and rigorous evaluation of DNA methods before acceptance for routine use.
character stateThe particular form that a character trait takes (e.g., a three-chambered vs
standard deviationSquare root of the variance; a measure of the typical magnitude of a random fluctuation.
t cellA type of white blood cell know as a lymphocyte
discriminating powerThe ability of a blood grouping technique to differential between individuals selected at random
pedologyThe scientific study of soils.
locally stableAn equilibrium is locally stable if any sufficiently small perturbation decreases in magnitude
antimutagenAn agent that decreases the rate of mutation.
haematopoietic stem cellsStem cells that make all the blood cells in the body
fibroblastAn epithelial cell precursor.
heterosis(Gr
annealingPairing of a single-stranded nucleic acid with the complementary strand to form a duplex.
parasiteAn organism that lives in or on a host organism and uses it as a source of food and shelter, to the detriment of the host.
topographic profileA two-dimensional diagram that describes the landscape in vertical cross-section.
thresholdThe potential an excitable cell membrane must reach for an action potential to be initiated.
spatial learningModification of behavior based on experience of the spatial structure of the environment.
transmitting abilityOne-half the breeding value of an individual
eukaryaThe domain that includes all eukaryotic organisms
tundraA biome at the extreme limits of plant growth
phosphodiesterPlacebo : substance inactive substituée à un médicament de façon à distinguer l'action psychologique et l'action pharmacologique de celui-ci
carbon dioxideGas that is an important part of the global carbon cycle
gene dosageThe number of copies of a gene within an individual.
guidelineIn a medical context, guidelines usually refer to documents detailing agreed best practice in a given area of medicine
hailHail is a solid form of precipitation that has a diameter greater than 5 millimeters
organ systemA group of organs that work together in performing vital body functions.
neuropathyany disease of the nervous system
attomoleOne quintillionth mole; 10-18 mole.
ovulethe structure in a seed plant that develops into a seed after fertilization.
cognitive apprenticeshipA model of instruction that combines structured tasks and coordinated guidance by a subject matter expert.
antibioticSubstance used in the treatment of bacterial (as distinct from viral) infectious diseases in humans, animals or plants
venture capitalistan individual who invests in start-up companies with the intent of making a large return on investment.
feedbackAn interaction mechanism between processes in the Earth system that occurs when the result of an initial process triggers changes in a second process that in turn influences the initial one
amino acid analogSee analog.
amphibiaThe vertebrate class of amphibians, represented by frogs, salamanders, and caecilians.
sensory receptorA cellular system that collects information about the physical world outside the body and inside the organism.
electron acceptorSubstance that gains electrons from another substance in an oxidation-reduction reaction.
dioecySystem of sexual expression in plants in which individual plants bear either staminate (male) or pistillate (female) flowers, but not both
mucosalOf or relating to mucous membranes, which line passages and cavities of the body that are exposed to the exterior, as well as ducts and receptacles of secretion, and habitually secreting mucus.
isletA smaller genetic island that only encodes one or a few gene products.
dynamic instabilityThe alternation of microtubules between cycles of growth and shrinkage.
penisMale organ of copulation.
eclipse periodThe period of time after infection with a virus during which new virions are formed, but not released (contrast with latent period).
occluded frontA transition zone in the atmosphere where an advancing cold air mass sandwiches a warm air mass between another cold air mass pushing the warm air into the upper atmosphere.
phenyl ammonia lyaseSee PEG-PAL.
genusgroup of closely related species.
digestive tractAlso called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is the multi-organ system that takes in food, extracts nutrients and expels waste.
tertiaryGeologic period that occurred roughly 1.6 to 65 million years ago
analogyThe similarity of structure between two species that are not closely related; attributable to convergent evolution.
scaffolding proteinsProteins which facilitate the assembly of a cell structure but are not included in the final structure
lichenThe symbiotic collective formed by the mutualistic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic alga or cyanobacterium.
ti plasmidTumour-inducing plasmid
ectodermThe outer germ layer; gives rise to tissues that include the skin and nervous system.
amniocentesisprenatal diagnosis method using cells in the amniotic fluid to determine the number and kind of chromosomes of the fetus and, when indicated, perform biochemical studies.
fluid feederAn animal that lives by sucking nutrient-rich fluids from another living organism
exaptationA structure that evolves and functions in one environmental context but that can perform additional functions when placed in some new environment.
hormone dependent cancera type of cancer which is influenced (often stimulated) by the presence of a specific hormone.
phase changeA shift from one developmental phase to another.
outwash plainA flat or gentle sloping surface of glaciofluvial sediments deposited by meltwater streams at the edge of a glacier
expressivityThe degree to which an inherited characteristic is expressed in a person
cell divisionprocess by which the cell divides into two daughter cells.
annealGenerally synonymous with "hybridize".
wet-bulb thermometerThermometer on a psychrometer that has a moisten wick on its reservoir bulb
mixing ratioThe ratio between the weight (mass) of water vapor (or some other gas) held in the atmosphere compared to the weight of the dry air in a given volume of air
meanUsually refers to the arithmetic mean: for n values, z1, ..., zn, = (Σizi)/n
habitatLocation where a plant or animal lives.
biotechnologyThe industrial use of living organisms or their components to improve human health and food production.
dendrogramA phylogenetic tree in which the branch lengths are constrained to all be equidistant from the root; also known as an ultrameric tree.
thermal cyclerAn instrument used to perform the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
integumentLayer of sporophyte tissue that contributes to the structure of an ovule of a seed plant.
subtraction libraryA cDNA library that only contains those cDNAs that are expressed in a particular type of cell or tissue or under particular growth conditions
morphogenesisDevelopmental changes in the inner structure and outer form of an organism.
transposonA DNA sequence that can move to different positions in the genome.
spina bifidaa congenital condition that results from altered fetal development of the spinal cord, part of the neural plate fails to join together and bone and muscle are unable to grow over this open section.
heterozygousHaving two different alleles at the same locus.
gap penaltyA penalty subtracted from a sequence alignment score due to the introduction of a gap or the elongation of a gap.
endogenicRefers to a system that is internal to the Earth.
inheritedSee: inherit
controlsTests designed to demonstrate that a procedure worked correctly and performed in parallel with experimental samples.
dentary/DENT-er-ee/ n
gene poolTotal complement of genes in a population.
agrobacterium tumefaciensA bacterium that is used for plant genetic engineering.
law of segregationMendel's first law, stating that each allele in a pair separates into a different gamete during gamete formation.
polypeptidea molecule consisting of many amino acids joined by chemical bonds between their amino and carboxyl groups; not necessarily biologically active.
x-ray crystallographyA technique for determining the structure of molecules from the X-ray diffraction patterns that are produced by crystalline arrays of the molecules.
quality assuranceA program conducted by a laboratory to ensure accuracy and reliability of tests performed.
hazardousDangerous.
species associationA particular grouping of species in an area.
self-incompatibilityWhen individuals cannot self-fertilize.
elementAny substance that cannot be broken down to any other substance.
legumeAngiosperm plant species that is a member of the Fabaceae (Pea or Bean) family
placental mammalsSee eutherian mammals.
variationDifferences between members of the same species.
detachmentOne of three distinct processes involved in erosion
chemosyntheticApplied to autotrophic bacteria that use the energy released by specific inorganic reactions to power their life processes, including the synthesis of organic molecules.
hgbGerman accounting standards
tropismThe movement response of an organism to an external stimulus, such as heat or light.
reproductive assuranceThe assurance that an individual can fertilize its eggs or ovules by selfing.
precipitable waterAmount of water potentially available in the atmosphere for precipitation
ecotoneThe transition from one type of habitat or ecosystem to another, such as the transition from a forest to a grassland.
anthracosaurAny member of a small group of labyrinthodont amphibians that had long, eel-like bodies
multiple myelomaType of cancer that develops in a subset of white blood cells called plasma cells formed in the bone marrow
powerThe term power has quite a few different meanings
hormonesChemicals in the blood which have a messenger function within the body
eugenicsThe study of improving a species by artificial selection; usually refers to the selective breeding of humans.
ligand-gated ion channel receptorA signal receptor protein in a cell membrane that can act as a channel for the passage of a specific ion across the membrane
static equilibriumStatic equilibrium occurs where force and reaction are balanced and the properties of the system remain unchanged over time.
asymmetric carbonA carbon that is covalently bonded to four different groups.
hygroscopic waterWater held within 0.0002 millimeters of the surface of a soil particle
smith-watermanA sensitive algorithm for identifying sequence similarities.
immunoassayA test using antibodies to identify and quantify substances
spindleFiber formed during nuclear division that aligns chromosomes and pulls them to the opposite poles.
stomaA microscopic pore surrounded by guard cells in the epidermis of leaves and stems that allows gas exchange between the environment and the interior of the plant.
ligandRecessive A term applied to one member of an allele pair that is not expressed when the other, dominant, member of the pair is present.
capillary actionMovement of water along microscopic channels
mineralIn nutrition, a chemical element other than hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen that an organism requires for proper body functioning.
anthracyclinesA member of a family of anti-cancer drugs that are also antibiotics.
irradiationThe use of ionizing radiation in the form of photons, electrons, protons as well as other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
policingWhere selfish behavior is prevented by other individuals.
biological response modifierA protein or other compound that stimulates immune defense against disease.
moneransimplest kingdom containing prokaryotic cells (mostly bacteria), some of which can create their own food
confined aquiferAquifer between two layers of relatively impermeable earth materials, such as clay or shale.
lepidopteraInsects such as butterflies and moths.
base pairingattraction between complemetary nitrogenous bases that produces a force that holds the two strands of the DNA double helix together.
evapotranspirationCombined loss of water to the atmosphere via the processes of evaporation and transpiration.
bajadaConsecutive series of alluvial fans forming along the edge of a linear mountain range
silent mutationA mutation in a codon that does not cause a change in the amino acid sequence of the translation product.
mutagenicityThe capacity of a chemical or physical agent to cause permanent genetic alterations.
site-directed mutagenesisA method for introducing specific mutations at a defined site in a nucleotide sequence.
autosomeany of the non-sex-determining chromosomes
tissue systemOne or more tissues organized into a functional unit connecting the organs of a plant.
bioprospectingSearching for new plant and microbial strains that may serve as sources for natural products, such as phytopharmaceuticals.
medical homeThe facility or physician that coordinates the care of an individual with a complex medical condition.
heterostylySpecific flower morphology in which stamens and styles are of unequal lengths, thereby promoting cross-pollination.
ketosisA condition in which the concentration of ketone bodies in the blood or urine is unusually high.
insertional mutationSee: insertion
adenosine deaminase deficiencyA severe immunodeficiency
chimeric antibodyA recombinant antibody that combines characteristics of antibodies from two different sources (see Humanized antibody).
holliday modelModel describing the series of breakage and reunion events occurring during crossing over of two homologous chromosomes.
osmotic pressureA measure of the tendency of a solution to take up water when separated from pure water by a selectively permeable membrane.
explantRemoval of a piece of tissue from a living organism for use in a tissue culture.
metagenomeGenetic material recovered directly from environmental samples.
ventrallower side of an organism with bilateral symmetry.
tertiary consumerA member of the trophic level of an ecosystem consisting of carnivores that eat mainly other carnivores.
g-protein-linked receptorA signal receptor protein in the plasma membrane that responds to the binding signal molecule by activating a G protein.
biological species conceptDefinition of species as groups of individuals that can successfully interbreed with each other in nature but that are reproductively isolated from other such groups.
uterusTwo uterine horns connect the body of the uterus to the oviducts.
autocatalytic networkA chemical system that outputs a chemical that is a catalyst for the original reaction or that leads to other reactions that eventually output a catalyst for the original reaction.
offender hitA CODIS match between a crime scene profile and an offender profile.
cladisticsA classification method that constructs phylogenies using characteristics unique to each taxonomic group.
hormoneA chemical product of the body that has a specific regulatory effect upon the cells.
temperate broadleaf forestA biome located throughout midlatitude regions where there is sufficient moisture to support the growth of large, broadleaf deciduous trees.
secondary successionSuccession on a previously vegetated surface
social dominanceA hierarchical pattern of social organization involving domination of some members of a group by other members in a relatively orderly and long-lasting pattern.
tautomeric shiftThe transfer of a hydrogen atom from one position in an organic molecule to another position.
t-cell-mediated immune responseThe synthesis of antigen-specific T cell receptors and the development of killer T cells in response to an encounter of immune system cells with a foreign immunogen.
equilibrium centrifugationThe separation of particles on the basis of density by centrifugation to equilibrium in a gradient of a dense substance.
off-label useUse of a drug not in accordance with FDA-approved uses or drug labelling
protein familyA group of proteins related by evolution that share highly conserved sequence regions, 3-D structure, and function.
cation exchangeA process in which positively charged minerals are made available to a plant when hydrogen ions in the soil displace mineral ions from the clay particles
unicellularConsisting of but a single cell.
squamous cellsFlat cells that constitute the surface of the skin.
matrixA medium in which things are formed, developed, or embedded.
seedFertilized ovule of a plant that contains an embryo and food products for germination
innate releasing mechanismIn ethology, a circuit within an animal's brain that is hypothesized to respond to a specific stimulus, setting in motion, or "releasing," the sequence of movements that constitute a fixed action pattern.
ozonosphereAnother name for the ozone layer.
basidiocarpElaborate fruiting body of a dikaryotic mycelium of a club fungus.
climographTwo dimensional graph that plots a location's air temperature and precipitation on times scales that range from a 24 hour period to a year.
ecophysiologyStudy of the physiological functions of organisms as they pertain to their ecology or interactions with each other and their environment.
clineA smooth change from place to place across a spatially continuous habitat
cell wallfound in prokaryotic plants and it provides structural support and protection.
ethologyThe study of animal behavior in natural conditions
cross reactivityThe binding by an antibody of an antigen that is structurally similar to the antigen that the antibody was raised against.
proprietary databaseA copyrighted database accessible by subscription.
gametogenesisProduction of gametes.
genetic counselingProvides patients and their families with education and information about genetic-related conditions and helps them make informed decisions.
purineA heterocyclic ring structure with varying functional groups
ecologyThe study of the factors that influence the distribution and abundance of species.
deconvolutionAn algorithm-based method for eliminating noise and improving the resolution of digital data
viral oncogene  See oncogene.
mineralComponent of rocks
bacteriaLarge group of single celled micro-organisms which lack an organised central nucleus
saponinA glycosidic surfactant produced by plant cells.
lethargyabnormal lack of energy usually as a result of illness or disease.
human subjects protectionsThe government has policies to protect people that participate in genetics research.
bowman's capsuleA cup-shaped receptacle in the vertebrate kidney that is the initial, expanded segment of the nephron where filtrate enters from the blood.
complete digestive tractA digestive tube that runs between a mouth and an anus; also called an alimentary canal
transnational corporationA large corporation operating internationally (same as a multinational).
nasolacrimal ductNAY-zō-LACK-rə-məl/ A tube connecting the eye with the nasal cavity; functions in draining excess lacrimal fluid from the eye
biotaAll the organisms that are part of an ecosystem.
gel electrophoresisA technique which uses a thin block of jelly-like material (gel) to act as a sieve to separate molecules
coding sequenceSéquence consensus : Séquence idéalisée d'une région donnée d'un acide nucléique ou d'une protéine dans laquelle chaque position représente la base ou l'acide aminé rencontré le plus fréquemment
immune complex diseaseA disorder characterized by the presence of immune complexes in bodily fluids.
chaparralA type of plant community common to areas of the world that have a Mediterranean climate (for example, California and Italy)
soil moisture rechargeThe process of water filling the pore space found in a soil (storage).
bohr shiftA lowering of the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, caused by a drop in pH; facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin in the vicinity of active tissues.
micelleAn aggregate of lipids in which the polar head groups face outward and the hydrophobic tails face inward; no solvent is trapped in the center.
secondary contactContact between populations that had previously been geographically separate (i.e., allopatric)
sexual selectionNatural selection for mating success.
accessory sex glandsSeminal vesicles (vesicular glands, prostate and Cowper's [bulbourethral] glands) that contribute the main fluid portion to the semen.
firnNévé on a glacier that survives the year's ablation season
seminiferous tubuleA highly coiled tube in the testis in which sperm are produced.
hhmiHoward Hughes Medical Institute.
basaltic magmaMafic magma that forms basaltic igneous rocks.
biocideA compound that is toxic to living systems.
canadian shieldVery old igneous and metamorphic shield rock that covers much of northern Canada
insertionIntégration : Processus de recombinaison qui insère une molécule d'ADN dans une autre
secondary oocyteA haploid cell resulting from meiosis I in oogenesis, which will become an ovum after meiosis II.
venture capitalmoney invested by venture capitalists in startup companies in exchange for equity.
dna melting temperatureThe temperature at which DNA undergoes a transition from helix to coil structure.
firn limitThe lower boundary of the zone of accumulation on a glacier where snow accumulates on an annual basis
lysosomesthe digestive plants of food for the cell, changes shape from task to task
electromagnetic spectrumSee spectrum.
refractionThe deflection from a straight path undergone by a light ray or energy wave in passing obliquely from one medium (as air) into another (as glass) in which its velocity is different, or the action of distorting an image by viewing through a medium.
sand ripplesAnother term used for wind ripples.
cell cycle checkpointA regulatory point that prevents entry into the next phase of the cell cycle until the events of the preceding phase have been completed.
three-domain systemA system of taxonomic classification based on three "superkingdoms": Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
cleavageThe process of cytokinesis in animal cells, characterized by pinching of the plasma membrane; specifically, the succession of rapid cell divisions without growth during early embryonic development that converts the zygote into a ball of cells.
lysosomesDigestive sacks - the main point of digestion, these are only found in animal cells.
methylationAddition of a methyl group to a molecule.
soluble supportA support for a reaction that is soluble under reaction conditions, but readily separable by some simple process
scoreTo determine the presence or absence of a phenotype by testing for growth under different conditions (e.g., plus and minus an auxotrophic supplement or permissive and nonpermissive conditions)
high-energy compoundA compound that undergoes hydrolysis with a high negative standard free energy change.
morologythe study of foolish and nonsensical talking
calorieThe amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 1°C; also the amount of heat energy that I g of water releases when it cools by 1°C
sea-level pressureAverage atmospheric pressure at sea-level
probabilityStatistical chance that an event will occur.
steady state equilibriumIn this type of equilibrium the average condition of the system remains unchanged over time.
multiple fruitA fruit derived from an inflorescence, a group of flowers tightly clustered together.
dinosaurMember of an extremely diverse group of ancient reptiles varying in body shape, size, and habitat.
coinheritance frequencyThe ratio of recombinants that acquire both the selected and unselected marker vs the total number of recombinants.
blastBasic Local Alignment Search Tool is a search algorithim developed by Altschul et al
metabolomicsType of global molecular analysis that involves identifying and quantifying the metabolome—all metabolites present in a cell at a given time.
vntrSee variable number tandem repeat.
nucleolusN(Y)OO-klee-Ō-ləs/ A round body associated with a nucleolus organizing region
polar easterliesWinds that originate at the polar highs and blow to the subpolar lows in a east to west direction.
posterior odds ratioA ratio of the probability of a hypothesis given a particular set of data relative to the probability of another hypothesis given the same data (Prob(H1|D)/Prob(H2|D))
testicular feminization  See androgen insensitivity.
pollinationThe transfer of pollen from male to female reproductive organs in seed plants.
royaltythe payment of a percentage of sales as compensation to product developers, patent licensors, or even investors.
stop codonA UAG, UAA
microprocessorAn integrated electronic circuit designed to carry out a specific set of operations.
dextrocardia/decks-troh-KARD-ee-yə/ n
hybrid arrested translationA method used to identify the proteins encoded by a cloned DNA sequence
invasiveTending to penetrate healthy tissue.
pteridospermAny of several groups of seed plants common in the late Paleozoic and Mesozoic that had somewhat fern-like foliage
insertionA type of mutation caused by the addition of one or more adjacent base pairs to a gene.
intramuscularInside muscle.
tropic of cancerLatitude of 23.5° North
basidium pl. basidiaA reproductive appendage that produces sexual spores on the gills of mushrooms
differentiationA change in the form and pattern of a cell and the genes it expresses as a result of growth and replication, usually during development of a multicellular organism
differential equationAn equation that gives the rate of change of a system as a function of its present state.
heteromorphic chromosome pairschromosomes that visibly differ, like X and Y.
ectomycorrhizaA type of mycorrhiza in which the mycelium fonns a dense sheath, or mantle, over the surface of the root
warm desertDesert found in the subtropics or interiors of continents at the middle latitudes where precipitation is low and surface air temperatures are high.
neurotransmitterA chemical that is released from one neuron and attaches to an adjacent neuron triggering a nerve impulse.
solar systemThe collection of celestial bodies that orbit around the Sun.
mtt assayMeasurement of cell viability and proliferation through the reduction of the yellow tetrazolium salt MTT (dimethylthiazolyl diphenyltetrazolium bromide).
cellular immunity  Humoral immunity consists of antibodies in the blood plasma that bind to specific foreign (nonself) antigens, causing them to be removed.  Antibodies are produced by B-cells
undulipodiumAnother term for a eukaryotic flagellum.
elastic rebound theoryTheory that describes how earthquakes arise from the horizontal movement of adjacent tectonic plates along a linear strike-slip fault
indeterminate cleavageA type of embryonic development in deuterostomes, in which each cell produced by early cleavage divisions retains the capacity to develop into a complete embryo.
metapopulationA collection of discrete demes
oxisolsTropical soils rich in iron and aluminum oxides.
inheritanceThe passing down of genetic information from parents to children.
age-specific survival rateProportion of individuals which survive from the beginning of one age class to the next.
fossil successionthe specific order of fossils, from lower to higher, within geological strata.
interstitialthe space between adjacent particles (such as sand grains) within soft sediments
biosurfaceThe surface structure of individual molecules, cells, and more complex biological systems.
motor neuronA nerve cell that transmits signals from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands.
heterodimerA dimer composed of two different molecules.
gametogenesisThe process by which gametes are produced in the mammalian body.
second law of thermodynamicsThe principle whereby every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy of the universe
basal slidingThe sliding of a glacier over the surface it rests on
protozoaAny of a large group of single-celled, usually microscopic, organisms such as amoeba.
surveillanceThe process of monitoring or checking for signs or symptoms of a disease.
free energyA quantity of energy that interrelates entropy (S) and the system's total energy (H); symbolized by G
lithificationProcess by which sediments are consolidated into sedimentary rock.
competitive advantagean advantage that a firm has relative to competing firms; may be in the form of intellectual property, expertise, partnerships, assets, etc.
benthic zoneThe bottom surface of an aquatic environment.
nematodeNEEM-ə-tōd/ A member of the Phylum Nematoda, composed of the true round worms, many of which are parasitic.
vertical aerial photographPhotograph taken from a overhead or near overhead angle from a platform in the atmosphere.
tundraHigh latitude biome dominated by a few species of dwarf shrubs, a few grasses, sedges, lichens, and mosses
deposition nucleiSix-sided microscopic particle that allows for deposition of water as ice crystals in the atmosphere
individualized educational profilesIndividual learning analysis process that identifies educational challenges and learning styles.
dyneA unit of force that creates an acceleration on a mass of 1 gram equal to 1 centimeter per second
initiation factorsThose protein factors that are specifically required during the initiation phase of protein synthesis.
herbicideAny substance that is toxic to plants; usually applied to agrochemicals intended to kill specific unwanted plants, such as weeds.
symbiosisa relationship between two organisms where one or both benefit.
biocideAny chemical agent that can kill a living organism
establishmentSubsequent growth and/or reproduction of a colonized species in a new territory.
grassType of plant that has long slender leaves that extend from a short stem or the soil surface.
apoptosisProgrammed cell death brought about by signals that trigger the activation of a cascade of "suicide" proteins in the cells destined to die.
bufferChemical solution that maintains a relatively constant pH even with the addition of strong acids or bases.
elasmobranchAny member of the subclass of Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish) that have plate-like scales
microfluidicsTechnology platforms that deal with the behavior, precise control, and manipulation of fluids that are geometrically constrained to a small, typically sub-millimeter, scale.
helixTwisted shape in the form of a spiral, coil or screw
food chainThe pathway along which food is transferred from trophic level to trophic level, beginning with producers
diffusion approximationA mathematical approximation that describes diffusion using a differential equation
ovuleThe female gamete in a flowering plant
oceanic crustAlong with continental crust, the outermost layer of the solid earth, colder and more solid than the mantle and core
primary plant bodyThe tissues produced by apical meristems, which lengthen stems and roots.
refractionProcess where insolation is redirect to a new direction of travel after entering another medium.
dimethyl sulfate/die-METH-əl/ A colorless oily liquid with an onionish aroma
secondary sex characteristicsex characteristic that appears at puberty.
bt toxinsInsecticidal proteins produced by the soil micro-organism called Bacillus thuringiensis
fissionThe separation of a parent into two or more individuals of approximately equal size
gene dosageThe number of times a gene occurs within a genome.
cell membraneThe membrane that separates the interior of a cell from its environment
contaminationThe harboring of or contact with microorganisms (or other organisms such as insect parasites) in abscence of a relationship that may be considered commensalistic, mutualistic, or parasitic.
hivThe infectious agent that causes AIDS
pagePolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
dna fingerprintingThe generation of a unique DNA pattern that is a genetic profile for an individual.
replication protein a(RPA)
cell cycleAll of those stages that a cell passes through from one cell generation to the next.
cmoContract manufacturing organization
phylogeneticsThe scientific discipline of resolving phylogenetic relationships between organisms.
horizontal studyThe study of a population at a point in time
symplastIn plants, the continuum of cytoplasm connected by plasmodesmata between cells.
stamenPollen-bearing organ of an angiosperm flower.
nuciformN(Y)OO-sə-form/ Nut-shaped.
indicator speciesSpecies that can be used as a early indicator of environmental degradation to a community or an ecosystem
heterogeneitySee genetic heterogeneity.
phenomeAll biochemical, physiological, and morphological characteristics of an organism.
orphan receptorReceptor for which an in vivo ligand is not yet known.
polygamousA type of relationship in which an individual of one sex mates with several of the other.
carbonationIs a form of chemical weathering where carbonate and bicarbonate ions react with minerals that contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
support groupA group of people who are all impacted by the same condition and come together to share experiences and help one another.
gene disruptionDistance génétique : Degré de parenté entre des génomes différents
landscapeSeveral different, primarily terrestrial ecosystems linked by exchanges of energy, materials, and organisms.
in vitroOutside of a living organism.
melanocyteA skin cell that produces and stores the pigment melanin.
fissionThe splitting of a cell into two cells directly.
b cellA type of lymphocyte that develops in the bone marrow and later produces antibodies, which mediate humoral immunity.
patrilinealInherited from the father (e.g., the Y chromosome in mammals).
wind ripplesWind ripples are miniature sand dunes between 5 centimeters and 2 meters in length and 0.1 to 5 centimeters in height
ancestorOne from whom an individual is descended.
attenuated vaccineA vaccine based on an attenuated virus that has low virulence due to genetic inactivation or chemical treatment.
stromatoporoidAny member of a group of extinct sponge or sponge-like organisms that formed vertical pillars of horizontally laminated calcareous fossils (similar in appearance to stromatolites).
cretaceousGeologic period that occurred roughly 65 to 144 million years ago
trimerophyteMember of an early group of vascular plants.
resolutionThe ability of a microscope to distinguish objects separated by small distances.
silicateGroup of minerals that have crystal structures based on a silica tetrahedron (SiO4).
bocA symbol for a protecting group used in polypeptide chemistry.
paraphyleticPertaining to a grouping of species that consists of an ancestral species and some, but not all, of its descendants.
migrationa patterned movement of organisms that usually covers large relative distances
polyspermyFertilization of an egg by more than one sperm.
familyA taxonomic grouping of related, similar genera; the category below order and above genus.
elimination/reference samplesA term used to describe a sample of known source taken for comparison purposes.
genessections of the DNA strand that code for certain characteristics. 
thylakoidA flattened membrane sac inside the chloroplast, used to convert light energy to chemical energy.
glycocalyxA carbohydrate coat covering the cell surface.
interoperabilityAbility of different types of databases, applications, operating systems, and platforms to function in an integrated manner.
ifspThe Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is both a process and a document intended to assist families and professionals in a community in their combined efforts to meet the developmental needs of a young child from birth to age three with special needs
desert pavementA veneer of coarse particles left on the ground after the erosion of finer particles by wind.
rightsThese are entitlements
species  The most basic unit of biological classification
ice fallAn area of crevassed ice on a glacier
coral reefA warm-water, tropical ecosystem dominated by the hard skeletal structures secreted primarily by the resident cnidarians.
recessiveFor recessive diseases, both copies of a gene must have the DNA mutation for a person to have one of these diseases
diffusionSpreading due to the cumulative effect of small random movements.
vaccineA harmless variant or derivative of a pathogen that stimulates a host's immune system to mount defenses against the pathogen.
creatine phosphokinaseA marker for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, with elevations of 20-200 times normal.
starchComplex carbohydrate composed of thousands of glucose units
nonahydrateNAWN-ə-HĪ-drayt/ A compound containing nine water molecules.
depilate/DEP-ə-late/ v
ataxia-telangiectasia(AT)
metazoaThe group that includes all animal phyla, including sponges, ctenophores, cnidarians, and the bilaterians.
thrumType of distylic flower possessing a short style and long anthers.
positive negative selectionA laboratory technique that accelerates the identification of genetically engineered organisms that possess desired genetic changes by selecting against the organisms that do not have the desired characteristics.
malignantMalignant tumors are known as cancer.
family health historyA record of medical information about an individual and their family members, as well as information about the eating habits, activities, and environments the family shares.
lateral meristemA meristem that thickens the roots and shoots of woody plants
ibdSee identity by descent.
weathering landformIs a landform created by the physical or chemical decomposition of rock through weathering
progeny testMating of an individual to obtain progeny for observation for the purpose of obtaining information about that individual's genotype or genetic merit.
objective testA test which having been documented and validated is under control so that it can be demonstrated that all appropriately trained staff will obtain the same results within defined limits
coniferous vegetationCone-bearing vegetation of middle and high latitudes that are mostly evergreen and that have needle-shaped or scale like leaves
anaphylactic shockA life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by a swelling of body tissues including the throat, difficulty in breathing, and a sudden fall in blood pressure.
batesian mimicryA palatable mimic evolves to resemble a distasteful model species and thereby suffers less predation.
ground frostFrost that penetrates the soil surface in response to freezing temperatures.
isostatic reboundThe upward movement of the Earth's crust following isostatic depression.
immunologyStudy of all phenomena related to the body's response to antigenic challenge.
primateA member of the order of mammals that includes anthropoids and prosimians.
deletionDénaturation d'acide nucléique : Conversion d'acide nucléique de l'état double brin à l'état simple brin
gene functionBiochemical reaction, protein-protein interaction, metabolic or signaling pathway association, cellular localization, phenotype, and changes in protein function that are mediated by shifts in protein structure.
carbohydrateA polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketone.
biogeochemical cyclingCycling of a single element, compound or chemicals by various abiotic and biotic processes through the various stores found in the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
moleculeThe smallest amount of a specific chemical substance that can exist alone
endemic speciesSpecies that are confined to a specific, relatively small geographic area.
placeA term used in geography that describes the factors that make the location of natural and human-made phenomena unique.
science fictionWhen people dream or write about what could be in the world of science, they call it science fiction
atomic numberThe number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, unique for each element and designated by a subscript to the left of the elemental symbol.
windthrowTrees uprooted by wind.
leewardDownwind side of an elevated area like a mountain
mammaliaThe vertebrate class of mammals, characterized by body hair and mammary glands that produce milk to nourish the young.
testn
modularityStructure formed by modular, interchangeable building blocks
halophilicDescribes an organism with a preference for growth in high-salt environments.
dna deliveryA method for delivering DNA- or gene-based treatments, typically into cells of the targeted tissue
symbiotic mutualismMutualistic interaction where the species interact physically and their relationship is biologically essential for survival.
aerobicContaining oxygen; referring to an organism, environment, or cellular process that requires oxygen.
bolsonIs a closed desert basin with no drainage outlet, surrounded by mountains.
preclinical studiesstudies that test a drug on animals and nonhuman test systems
chromosomal inversionChromosome segments that have been turned 180 degrees
bufferA substance that consists of acid and base forms in solution and that minimizes changes in pH when extraneous acids or bases are added to the solution.
simple sequence repeatsTandem repeats of a short sequence.
transition-state intermediateIn a chemical reaction, an unstable and high-energy configuration assumed by reactants on the way to making products
amino acidAny of a class of 20 molecules
growth hormone  A protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that acts on many other tissues to stimulate growth.  The human growth hormone gene is located on chromosome 17.  Mutations that cause the growth hormone to be nonfunctional cause one form of dwarfism when homozygous.  More details can be found in OMIM.  Administration of GH from other sources during childhood increases the growth of such persons.
cristaeFolds in the inner mitochondrial membrane extending into the matrix.
5' utr intronAn intron located in the 5' prime untranslated region (SO:0000447).
biobankA collection of human biological samples (such as blood and tissue) and medical information about the people who gave their samples for research studies.
polycystic kidney diseasea group of conditions characterized by fluid filled sacs that slowly develop in both kidneys, eventually resulting in kidney malfunction.
single nucleotide polymorphismSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are changes at a single DNA base that are present among at least 1% of people in at least one population
carcinogenA chemical that can cause cancer.
karstLandform type with limestone bedrock and dominated by geomorphic features created from solution chemical weathering.
ligament A type of fibrous connective tissue that joins bones together at Joints.
relative fitnessCapability of a genotype to survive and reproduce
ice ageA period of time during which glaciers expand and cover more of the Earth's surface
electronA subatomic particle with a single negative charge
backshoreArea behind the shore
phosphodiesterA molecule containing two alcohols esterified to a single molecule of phosphate
true southDirection of the South Pole from an observer on the Earth.
spinal muscular atrophythe muscle wasting or atrophy in muscular dystrophy results from loss of signals from nerve cells in the spinal cord.
craniateA chordate with a head.
uniportThe transport of a single molecule across a membrane.
pithThe core of the central vascular cylinder of monocot roots, consisting of parenchyma cells, which are ringed by vascular tissue; ground tissue interior to vascular bundles in dicot stems.
angelman syndromea condition characterized by severe mental deficiency, developmental delay and growth deficiency, puppet-like gait and frequent laughter unconnected to emotions of happiness.
mutationsRare changes in the DNA sequence, affecting less than 1% of the population.
moldA rapidly growing, asexually reproducing fungus.
protoplastSingle plant cell minus its cell wall.
2p ruleThe NRCII report recommends using this approach for dealing with homozygotes.
harvesting1
rainsplashSoil erosion caused from the impact of raindrops.
ligand-gated channelAn ion channel that opens in response to the binding of signaling molecules.
hydrophobic interactionA type of weak chemical bond formed when molecules that do not mix with water coalesce to exclude the water.
primary contactWhere populations have been in contact throughout their divergence
loadSee genetic load.
la niñaAn irregular variation of ocean current that flows off the west coast of South America, carrying cool, nutrient-rich water to the surface
detrital rockSedimentary rock that is composed of particles transported to their place of deposition by erosional processes
linkage equilibriumAbsence of linkage disequilibrium, so that haplotype frequencies are equal to the product of allele frequencies.
immune systemA collection of mechanisms within an organism that protects against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells.
eutherian mammalsPlacental mammals; those whose young complete their embryonic development within the uterus, joined to the mother by the placenta.
evolutionary distanceA measure of the time since two distinct, or similar species shared a common ancestor
concordancePresence of the same characteristic in both members of a pair of twins (or set of individuals)
plate tectonicsThe mechanism by which the plates that make up the surface of the Earth interact with one another, including the formation and subduction of oceanic crust.
telogenThe last phase of the hair growth cycle when the hair root becomes a bulbous shaped root.
dsrnaDouble-stranded RNA
chondrinA protein-carbohydrate complex secreted by chondrocytes; chondrin and collagen fibers form cartilage.
organismany type of individual living being, whether plant, animal, protist (such as an alga), fungus, or bacteria.
transmission electron microscopeA microscope that passes an electron beam through very thin sections; primarily used to study the internal ultrastructure of cells.
heterozygote advantageGreater reproductive success of heterozygous individuals compared to homozygotes; tends to preserve variation in gene pools.
amberAmber comes from fossilized tree resin
decomposersSaprotrophic fungi and bacteria that absorb nutrients from nonliving organic material such as corpses, fallen plant material, and the wastes of living organisms, and convert them into inorganic forms.
markerSee genetic marker.
temporal summationA phenomenon of neural integration in which the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell in a chemical synapse is determined by the combined effect of EPSPs or IPSPs produced in rapid succession.
revolutionSee Earth revolution.
water withdrawalThe removal of water from some type of source, like groundwater, for some use by humans
interferenceForm of competition where an individual directly prevents the physical establishment of another individual in a portion of a habitat.
soft selectionSelection where numbers produced by a patch are fixed, independent of the fitness relative survival of the individuals in that patch; see Web Notes.
serovarsDifferent strains of the same species of bacterium that can be distinguished by different reactions to certain antibodies (anti-sera)
susceptible hostan individual particularly vulnerable to  infection because of impairment of the immune system from cause.
nectaryA gland that secretes a sweet fluid (nectar), commonly but not exclusively found in insect-pollinated flowers.
primary producerAn autotroph, usually a photosynthetic organism
clinical informaticsThe use of informatics to evaluate clinical trial design and to design electronic systems for protocol and data storage.
thylakoidDisk-shaped [membrane-bound] compartment within chloroplasts that contain the chlorophyll
dependent variableA measurable characteristic who's value is conditioned on the value of a second variable (the independent variable) and who's value may be predicted from the relationship with the independent variable.
broad-leaved treeAny large woody plant with broad leaves
dihybrid test crossMating involving a parent expressing the dominant phenotypes associated alleles at two loci with an individual having recessive genotypes at both loci
ring of fireSee Circum-Pacific Belt.
epiphyteAny organism that grows upon or attaches to a living plant for physical support but not for nutrients.
ecosystemThe totality of all plant and animal species that constitute an interdepent, interrelated community.
skeletal muscleStriated muscle generally responsible for the voluntary movements of the body.
landwardPositioned or located away from a water body but towards the land.
heat pumpAn apparatus that extracts heat from a fluid or gas that is marginally above ambient temperature
fraternal twinsSee dizygotic twins.
overdominanceMode of inheritance for which the heterozygote is favored by selection, hence is most fit.
fissureOpening or crack in the Earth's crust.
cold glacierGlacier in which the ice found from the its surface to base has a temperature as cold as -30° Celsius throughout the year
volcanic pipeA dyke reaches the surface of the Earth
boraTerm used to describe a katabatic wind in Yugoslavia.
natural theologyA theology based on reason and ordinary experience instead of on special or supposedly supernatural revelation.
metastasisThe spread of cancer cells to locations distant from their original site.
molecular biologyThe interpretation of biological events in terms of the physics and chemistry of molecules within cells.
traitSee character.
autoimmune diseaseAn immunological disorder in which the immune system turns against itself.
droughtClimatic condition where water loss due to evapotranspiration is greater than water inputs through precipitation.
nucleotide excision repair(NER)
tipThe terminal node on a phylogenetic tree.
long waveA large wave in the polar jet stream and the westerlies that extends from the middle to the upper troposphere
hormone  A substance secreted by an endocrine gland (e.g
cotransportThe coupling of the "downhill" diffusion of one substance to the "uphill" transport of another against its own concentration gradient.
informaticsSee: bioinformatics
t cellsSmall white blood cells that orchestrate and/or directly participate in the immune defenses
geometric meanAn average defined by the nth root of the product of n values:
tertiary consumerOrganisms that occupy the fourth trophic level in the grazing food chain
nadp reductaseAn enzyme that transfers electrons from ferrodoxin to NADP+, yielding NADPH.
c-terminus  The last amino acid to be added to a polypeptide chain
morphogenA substance, such as bicoid protein, that provides positional information in the form of a concentration gradient along an embryonic axis.
targeted drug deliveryA method of delivering a drug to the site in the body where it is needed, rather than allowing it to diffuse into many sites.
heuristicA method based on empirical information that has no explicit rationalization.
identical twinsTwins formed from a single zygote and therefore genetically identical
down rounda financing event in which a company is valued lower than it was previously.
product inhibitionThe inhibition of an enzymatic reaction by the accumulation of the products of the reaction.
sexual selectionSelection arising from variation in the ability to find a mate.
skeletal muscleMuscle generally responsible for the voluntary movements of the body.
ice shelfLarge flat layer of ice that extends from the edge of the Antarctic ice cap into the Antarctic Ocean
enterovirusOne of a group of similar viruses infecting the gastrointestinal tract and discharged in the feces.
ubiquinoneSee coenzyme Q.
simple fruitA fruit derived from a single carpel or several fused carpels.
microbeAny microorganism, but specially said of those microorganisms which are harmful types of bacteria.
freezingThe change in state of matter from liquid to solid that occurs with cooling
notochordA longitudinal, flexible rod that runs along the dorsal axis of an animal's body in the future position of the vertebral column.
ethyleneA gaseous plant
metafemaleFemale with more than two X chromosomes.
nihNational Institutes of Health.
bacteriophageAny virus that infect bacteria, also known as phage.
induced pluripotencyThe pluripotent state of a cell that has been artificially transformed from a non-pluripotent condition
immunocompetentCapable of developing an immune response.
allogenicOf the same species, but with different genotype.
tropicsLatitudes between 23.50 north and south.
divSee defective interfering virus.
proteinOne of the basic chemicals of life, proteins make up the structure and determine the function of a cell.
point mutationA mutation involving the substitution, addition, or deletion of a single base pair .
root capA cone of cells at the tip of a plant root that protects the apical meristem.
polyunsaturated fatA fat that has more than one double bond in the molecule.
peg-palPhenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) is an enzyme derived from a plant that breaks down phenylalanine, but does not require tetrahydrobiopterin as a cofactor
susceptibilityThe likelihood that a person will develop a condition or disease.
mean sea-levelThe average height of the ocean surface as determined from the mean of all tidal levels recorded at hourly intervals.
variegationIrregularity in pigmentation of plant or animal tissues due to variations in phenotype of different sectors of the tissue.
incomplete dominanceinheritance in which an active allele does not entirely compensate for an inactive allele.
temperature-sensitive mutantA cell expressing a protein that is functional at one temperature but not at another, whereas the normal protein is functional at both temperatures.
rangeA statistical measure of the dispersion of observation values in a data set
inceptisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
dissolutionThe process of a substance dissolving and dispersing into a liquid.
edaphicRelated to or determined by soil characteristics (e.g., soil texture, composition, drainage).
hepatic portal vesselA large circulatory channel that conveys nutrient-laden blood from the small intestine to the liver, which regulates the blood's nutrient content.
membrane transportThe facilitated transport of a molecule across a membrane.
fertilizationThe union of a sperm and an egg.
dnaIn most cases, DNA changes either have no effect at all or they cause harm (or disease), but occasionally a mutation can improve an organism's chance of surviving and passing the beneficial change on to its descendants.
conservative transpositionA transposition event where the transposable element is lost from its original location and inserted at a new location.
entropyThe degree of disorder in a system
geomorphologyThe field of knowledge that investigates the origin of landforms on the Earth and other planets.
reproductive isolationseparation of populations so that they do not interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
sessileRefers to organisms which are fixed to the substrate, for example by means of a stalk or lorica.
nodeThe point in a phylogenetic tree where one branch splits into two.
stabilizing selectionSelection favoring the intermediate phenotype or individuals near an optimum level of performance rather than at either extreme.
genomeThe entirety of an organism's genetic information, including coding and non-coding regions of the DNA.
discriminating powerThe ability of a blood grouping technique to differentiate between individuals selected at random
neurofilamentA type of intermediate filament that supports the axons of nerve cells.
pediplainAn arid landscape of little relief that is occasionally interrupted by the presence of scattered inselbergs
biotherapyTreatment with genetically engineered biological materials.
boleStem or trunk of a tree.
heat therapySee thermotherapy.
affinityA measure of the binding strength between two molecules.
uv irradiationElectromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light (200-390 nm)
dry-bulb thermometerThermometer on a psychrometer used to determine current air temperature
rhizoidLong tubular single cell or filament of cells that anchors bryophytes to the ground
microtubule-organizing centerAn anchoring point near the center of the cell from which most microtubules extend outward.
recessiveA trait is recessive if it is manifest only in the homozygous condition.
bayesian approachUse of statistical methods that assign probabilities or distributions to future events based on knowledge of prior events.
trans acting factorA molecule that can diffuse through the cell to act at a distance from where it is made
hybrid cellThe mononucleate cell which results from the fusion of two different cells, leading to the formation of a synkaryon.
inputAddition of matter, energy, or information to a system
threshold velocityVelocity required to cause entrainment in the erosional agents of wind, water or ice
humoral immunityImmune protection provided by soluble factors such as antibodies, which circulate in the body's fluids or "humors," primarily serum and lymph.
gametophyteIn organisms undergoing alternation of generations, the multicellular haploid form that mitotically produces haploid gametes that unite and grow into the sporophyte generation.
organismAn individual living thing, such as a bacterium, fungus, protist, plant or animal.
rrnaSee under RNA.
solifluctionForm of mass movement in environments that experience freeze-thaw action
organic matterMass of matter that contains living organisms or non-living material derived from organisms
biotaThe living organisms of a time and place.
pedigreeA medical drawing that includes all of a person’s close relatives, the relationship between family members, and health information
saccharomyces cerevisiaeA frequently studied budding yeast.
multiplicity of infectionThe ratio of pathogen to host cells during an infection
independent variableVariable in a statistical test that is thought to be controlling through cause and effect the value of observations in another dependent variable modeled in the test.
dollyThe first mammal ever cloned (a sheep).
saltwater intrusionThe invasion of saltwater into freshwater aquifers in coastal and inland areas
cell-mediated immunityThe immune response mediated by T lymphocytes
mass wastingGeneral term that describes the downslope movement of sediment, soil, and rock material.
tautomeric shiftA reversible change in the position of a hydrogen atom in a molecule which results in the conversion of the molecule between different isomers
hydrophobic'fears water' (hydro = water; phobic = fear)
invertebrateAn animal without a backbone
passive immunityShort-term immunity conferred by the administration of ready-made antibodies or the transfer of maternal antibodies to a fetus or nursing infant; lasts only a few weeks or months because the immune system has not been stimulated by antigens.
allianceagreement between two or more companies to cooperate in some way.
sugarAny monosaccharide or disaccharide.
isoamyl alcoholA chemical used in organic extractions to reduce the foaming of reagents, making it easier to detect the interface between the organic and aqueous phases.
primary consumerAn herbivore; an organism in the trophic level of an ecosystem that eats plants or algae.
germlineThe "line" or succession of cells that leads from one generation to the next through the germ cells
organelleA subunit of a cell, generally with a surrounding membrane separating it (to a degree) from other cellular contents
phosphoric acid  A chemical compound consisting of an atom of phosphorus, to which three hydroxyl groups and one double-bond oxygen atom are attached.  The hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups are highly likely to dissociate as hydrogen ions, making phosphoric acid a strong acid.  The negative phosphate ion (PO4)3– occurs in biological systems associated with various positively-charged cations.  Phosphate can also form covalent bonds between one or more of its hydroxyl groups and hydroxyl groups on other molecules, splitting out water (H2O) in the process.  This occurs, for example, in nucleotides and in polynucleotide chains of DNA and RNA
ectoparasiteA parasite that feeds on the external surface of a host.
heterosisThe increase in fitness seen in a cross between different populations.
stochasticRelating to a series of random events.
dorsalupper side of an organism that has bilateral symmetry.
vectorA DNA molecule that replicates independently in a host cell
primatesThe living prosimians consist of tree shrews, lorises, lemurs, and tarsiers.
maternal inheritancethe inheritance of a trait from the female gamete.
closed circulatory systemA type of internal transport in which blood is confined to vessels.
phenylalanine-restricted dietPKU is characterized by an inability to control levels of phenylalanine in the blood, which builds up to toxic levels when individuals with PKU follow a normal diet
zygoteThe diploid product of the union of haploid gametes in conception; a fertilized egg.
green world hypothesisThe conjecture that terrestrial herbivores consume relatively little plant biomass because they are held in check by a variety of factors, including predators, parasites, and disease.
physiatristPhysiatrists are rehabilitation physicians.  They are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move
rootThe most ancient branch in a phylogenetic tree.
mollweide projectionMap projection system that tries to present more accurate representations of area
dominance theoryAn explanation for Haldane’s rule, which assumes that F1 sterility or inviability is caused by recessive alleles.
mineralocorticoidA corticosteroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that regulates salt and water homeostasis.
scionThe twig grafted onto the stock when making a graft.
induced mutationMutation resulting from deliberate use of mutagens.
mediumA substance containing nutrients needed for cell growth.
eutrophicationA process by which nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, become highly concentrated in a body of water, leading to increased growth of organisms such as algae
pelagic zoneThe area of the ocean past the continental shelf, with areas of open water often reaching to very great depths.
hydrophobicA molecule or portion of a molecule that does not readily dissolve in water.
little ice ageTime period from 1550 to 1850 AD
evaporationEvaporation can be defined as the process by which liquid water is converted into a gaseous state
streamA long narrow channel of water that flows as a function of gravity and elevation across the Earth's surface
mutationalteration of an organism’s DNA due to mistakes during replication or damage from external agents such as chemicals or radiation.
memory cellOne of a clone of long-lived lymphocytes, formed during the primary immune response, that remains in a lymphoid organ until activated by exposure to the same antigen that triggered its formation
organ of cortiThe actual hearing organ of the vertebrate ear, located in the floor of the cochlear canal in the inner ear; contains the receptor cells (hair cells) of the ear.
neutral variationGenetic diversity that confers no apparent selective advantage.
wave heightVertical distance between a wave's trough and crest.
cytotoxicAble to cause cell death
kupffer cellsSpecialized macrophages in the liver.
autosomal dominant mutationA dominant mutation in a gene which is carried on an autosome.
phenotypeThe physical characteristics of an organism or the presence of a disease that may or may not be genetic
adenine triphosphatecompound that stores energy in cells.
false negative resultThe result of a diagnostic test came back as normal when the disease is actually present
antineoplasticA drug that reduces or prevents the growth of a neoplasm.
amphibiaa class of cold-blooded, smooth-skinned vertebrates with legs; offspring usually hatch as aquatic larva with gills, which in most cases metamorphose into adults with air-breathing lungs; includes frogs and salamanders.
active transportThe energy-dependent transport of a substance across a membrane.
neurotoxinN(Y)OOR-ō-TAWK-sin/ A toxin that interferes with nerve function.
antiparallel  Going in opposite directions, as in two arrows lying parallel but with arrow heads pointing in opposite directions.  The two polynucleotide strands of DNA have direction, and pairing occurs only if the directions are opposite.  See Watson-Crick.
bartholin's glandsGlands near the vaginal opening in a human female that secrete lubricating fluid during sexual arousal.
sibship  A set of siblings (brothers and sisters).
false positiveA test result that wrongly shows an effect to be present.
bacteriophageA virus that infects bacteria
nucleolar organizing regionA chromosomal region containing the genes for ribosomal RNAs.
motor unitA single motor neuron and all the muscle fibers it controls.
proton  Electrons occur in shells surrounding the atomic nucleus.  They form the various types of chemical bonds that join atoms.
complexityThe study of complex phenomena in natural systems
snornpAbbreviation for Small Nucleolar Ribonucleoprotein.
factor viii and ixSoluble blood proteins that forms part of the cascade of the 12 reactions of blood clotting
bacteriuma single bacterial organism.
northern blottingA method in which mRNAs are separated by gel electrophoresis and detected by hybridization with specific probes.
compartmentalizationSubdivision of molecules, cells, or genetic functions into discrete spatial or temporal units
mass spectrometryMethod involving specialized instruments for measuring the mass and abundance of molecules in a mixture and identifying mixture components by mass and charge.
carbon partitioningPartitioning to different parts of a plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, and seed) versus carbon allocation (partitioning between biomass and respiration).
bioconversionChemical restructuring of raw materials by using a biocatalyst.
phase iiiPart of clinical development which is performed on a large number of patients to test the safety, efficacy and optimal dosage of an investigational new drug in the context of a complete therapy
frostDeposition of ice at the Earth's surface because of atmospheric cooling.
endergonicAn energy-requiring reaction.
orphan drug statusA term which describes a drug with Orphan Drug Status granted by the FDA and/or the EMEA
opsonizationAn immune response in which the binding of antibodies to the surface of a microbe facilitates phagocytosis of the microbe by a macrophage.
coreThe core is a layer rich in iron and nickel found in the interior of the Earth
adenomaA benign tumor formed by an increase in the number of epithelial cells that form the ducts of glandular organs.
troposphereLayer in the atmosphere found from the surface to a height of between 8 to 16 kilometers of altitude (average height 11 kilometers)
oogoniaOvary-specific stem cells.
osteoclastA mononucleate macrophage that breaks down the bone matrix and plays a role in bone remodeling.
bence-jones proteinFree immunoglobulin light chains synthesized by myeloma cells.
evolvabilityAbility to generate heritable variation that can be exploited by selection.
compound pistilFemale floral structure comprised of two or more pistils.
bacteriophageSee: phage
bacteriaA large group of single-celled organisms that do not have organelles enclosed in membranes
genomeAll of the genetic information or hereditary material possessed by an organism
fine motorFine motor refers to functions which require tiny muscle movements.  For example, writing or typing would require fine motor movement.
ß-lactam antibioticsAntibiotics taht contain a ß-lactam ring and act by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis
compassNavigation instrument that uses the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction.
biological amplificationIncrease in concentration of toxic fat-soluble chemicals in organisms at successively higher trophic levels of a grazing food chain or food web because of the consumption of organisms at lower trophic levels.
carboxyl group  A functional group that consists of a carbon atom to which one oxygen is bound with a double bond and a hydroxyl group is bound with a single bond.  The remaining single bond of the carbon is attached to other atoms.  The structure is often written –COOH, with the understanding that the first O is connected to the C with a double bond and the second is connected to the C with a single bond.  An important characteristic of a carboxyl group is the propensity for the H to give up the electron that it shares with the O and become a hydrogen ion, H+.  The remaining part of the molecule would then have a negative charge.  High concentrations of hydrogen ions constitute acidity, and the carboxyl group is thus an acidic group.  Any molecule with a carboxyl group is potentially an acid
nude miceA mutant mouse strain that lacks a thymus gland and T lymphocytes
idiotypeThe antigenic specificity defined by the idiotopes within the antigen combining site of an antibody.
specific heatThe amount of heat that must be absorbed or lost for 1 g of a substance to change its temperature 1°C.
galaxyAn assemblage of millions to hundreds of billions of stars.
horseAny member of the perissodactyl ungulate family Equidae.
apical meristemEmbryonic plant tissue in the tips of roots and in the buds of shoots that supplies cells for the plant to grow in length.
distributaryA smaller branching stream channel that flows away from a main stream channel
diurnal/die-ERN-əl/ adj
dacryagogue/DACK-ree-ə-goag/ n
complex molecular assemblyMultimolecular structure held together by noncovalent bonds.
nddsaThe National DNA Database of South Africa, established in terms of section 17H of the South African Police Service Act.
heat of vaporizationThe amount of heat required to change a given amount of a liquid into a gas; 540 calories are required to change 1 gram of liquid water into vapor.
self-incompatibilityThe ability of a seed plant to reject its own pollen and sometimes the pollen of closely related individuals.
mismatchA defect in the pairing of two complementary DNA sequences where a base in one strand is different from that expected according to complementarity with the other.
gradientThe steepness of a slope as measured in degrees, percentage, or as a distance ratio (rise/run).
stratified driftA type of glacial drift that has been partially sorted by glaciofluvial meltwater.
cenozoicGeologic era that occurred from 65 million years ago to today.
endonucleaseSee: restriction enzyme
nascent rnaThe initial transcripts of RNA, before any modification or processing.
blockbusterdrug with &63;1 billion or more in sales.
frontTransition zone between air masses with different weather characteristics.
inoculumThe initial sample of a microorganism added to a medium used to start a new culture.
interstitial fluidThe internal environment of vertebrates, consisting of the fluid filling the spaces between cells.
transition stageThe integration period of juvenile and reproductive stages of growth.
bioinformaticsthe application of information technology to manage and analyze the vast amounts of data generated from biological research.
alternative splicingA “cutting-and-pasting” process by which cells splice together elements of the same gene to make different proteins
daylight savings timeThe setting of time so it is one hour ahead starting in the spring and one hour back beginning in the fall in the Northern Hemisphere
tideCyclical rise and fall of the surface of the oceans
thymusA small organ in the thoracic cavity of vertebrates where maturation of T cells is completed.
diagnostic testA term used to describe particular tests that are able to identify (diagnose) a recognized disorder
arrayed libraryTwo-dimensional arrays of recombinant clones
myofibrilA unit of thick and thin filaments in a muscle fiber.
methods of instructionTechniques used in the delivery of training or instructional materials.
cyclogenesisProcess of cyclone formation, maturation, and death.
hydrophilicHaving an affinity for water.
fungikingdom in which organisms may be unicellular or multicellular, obtain their food from external sources, and reproduce sexual or asexually
cation  [Pronounced CAT-eye-on, more or less.]   A negatively charged atom or molecule.  See ion.
x-ray crystallographyA technique for determining the 3-D structure of a molecule, based on the diffraction of x-rays by the crystallized form of the molecule
phase i clinical trialsEstablish the best way to give a new treatment to humans after it has been studied in the laboratory
radiometric datingA method of dating samples based on analysis of radioactive isotopes and the products of their decay.
rheumatoid arthritisInflammatory disease of the joints
amplified sequenceSéquence chevauchante : Séquence d'ADN portant l'information correspondant à plusieurs gènes utilisant un cadre de lecture différent
philtrumMedial groove in the upper lip that runs from the nose to the top of the lip.
alfisolsFertile soils in temperate forests with an underlying clay horizon.
facultativeOrganisms that can grow under different conditions
non-pku hyperphenylalaninemiaPeople with non-PKU hyperphenylalaninemia usually have only mildly impaired phenylalanine hydroxylase
entisolsUndifferentiated soils of recent origin found in river valleys and deltas.
nucleusThe control centre of a cell
thermolabileNot heatproof, e.g., a substance which disintegrates or is unstable upon heating.
predispositionA situation in which a person, due to their inherited genetic makeup, may have a particular susceptibility to a condition if exposed to the correct environmental triggers.
andisolsVolcanic soils containing ash and volcanic glass.
gonad ridgeThe area of cells within an embryo which will develop into the gonads of foetus
heritabilityAny given trait within a population will tend to vary from one individual to another
floodplainRelatively flat area found alongside the stream channel that is prone to flooding and receives alluvium deposits from these inundation events.
continental crustGranitic portion of the Earth's crust that makes up the continents
c-terminusThe end of a polypeptide chain that has a free carboxylic acid (-COOH) group.
mrnaAn abbreviation for messenger RNA which is the chemical that transfers the genetic DNA message to the ribosomes where it is translated into proteins.
sporozoiteA tiny infectious cell that represents a stage in the apicomplexan life cycle.
taxonomyThe classification of organisms.
speciesA population or series of populations of closely related and similar organisms
silent mutationNucleotide change that does not alter the amino acid product.
amphipathic moleculeA molecule that has both a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region.
gastric juiceA digestive fluid secreted by the stomach.
tectonic plateAn extensive layer of lithosphere that moves as a discrete unit on the surface of the Earth's asthenosphere.
extensible markup languageA set of specifications for formatting web documents that allows the creation of custom data tags that enable flexible transmission of data between applications and servers.
chronic infectionAn individual with HBsAg in the serum for periods longer than six months is infectious, and may or may not exhibit symptoms of hepatitis; also applies to a large number of individuals with HCV infection.
regenerationRestoration of tissue by repair or regrowth.
genea hereditary unit that occupies a certain position on a chromosome; a unit that has one or more specific effects on the phenotype, and can mutate to various allelic forms.
anaphaseThe stage of nuclear division when chromatids (homologous chromosomes) move to the poles of the mitotic spindle.
benthic zoneThe bottom surfaces of aquatic environments.
chlorophyllA green pigment located within the chloroplasts of plants
transecta pre-established line or zone used for sampling biological communities.
ectoproctA sessile, coloniallophophorate commonly called a bryozoan.
starchA polymer of glucose residues that is the principal storage form of carbohydrates in plants.
mammary glandsExocrine glands that secrete milk to nourish the young
thresholdThe level of magnitude of a system process at which sudden or rapid change occurs.
neutrophilWhite blood cell.
multipotentA cell or tissue able to form several different kinds of cells or tissues.
pharmacoeconomicsStudy of the cost-benefit ratios of drugs.
public healthThe science and practice of protecting and improving the health of a community.
myotoniaIncreased muscle tension.
photosynthesisA process where plants convert water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight into energy, water, and oxygen
international date lineA line drawn almost parallel to the 180 degree longitude meridian that marks the location where each day officially begins
d-(1) dextrorotatory; (2) deoxy-.
antigenA molecule against which an antibody is directed.
photosynthesisprocess by which plants use the sun's energy to convert inorganic carbon dioxide and water into organic carbon molecules (glucose) and oxygen.
junk dnaA term used to refer to stretches of DNA within the genome that do not encode genes and are likely to play a structural, regulatory, or undefined role.
immunotherapyUsing the immune system to treat disease, for example, in the development of vaccines
chemosynthetican organism that derives its energy from chemosynthesis.
kinaseAn enzyme that adds phosphate groups onto other molecules.
cephalochordateA chordate without a backbone, represented by lancelets, tiny marine animals.
littoral zoneIn a lake, the shallow, well-lit waters close to shore.
angiospermAny member of the highly diverse lineage of plants (~200,000 living species) that have their seeds enclosed in a carpel
electroelutionThe transfer of biomolecules from an electrophoresis gel to a membrane surface.
hydrolysisChemical weathering process that involves the reaction between mineral ions and the ions of water (OH- and H+), and results in the decomposition of the rock surface by forming new compounds, and by increasing the pH of the solution involve through the release of the hydroxide ions.
phytoplanktonFree-floating, microscopic photosynthetic organisms (e.g., algae, cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates) found in the surface layers of marine and freshwater environments.
duct/dəkt/ n
zone of ablationArea of a glacier where losses of ice from melting, evaporation, and sublimation exceed additions of snow annually.
immune responseThe immune response is the reaction of the body to substances that are foreign or treated as foreign
limbic systemA group of nuclei (clusters of nerve cell bodies) in the lower part of the mammalian forebrain that interact with the cerebral cortex in determining emotions; includes the hippocampus and the amygdala.
milky way galaxyAggregation of about 400 billion stars in a flattened, disk-shaped structure in space
ventralPertaining to the underside, or bottom, of a bilaterally symmetrical animal.
interoreceptorA sensory receptor that detects stimuli within the body, such as blood pressure and body position.
antennaeLong, paired sensory appendages on the head of many arthropods.
anaphylaxisExtreme immune sensitivity produced upon the reintroduction of an antigen.
sh2 domainA protein domain of approximately 100 amino acids that binds phosphotyrosine-containing peptides.
presymptomatic diagnosisdiagnosis of a genetic condition before the appearance of symptoms.
physicianA person licensed to practice medicine, also known as a medical doctor.
nIn the results of a BLAST search, the number of HSPs that are present in the set that was assigned the lowest P-value is reported in the "N" column.
granitic magmaFelsic magma that generates mainly granitic rocks.
proton-motive forceThe potential energy stored in the form of an electrochemical gradient, generated by the pumping of hydrogen ions across biological membranes during chemiosmosis.
ebb tideTime during the tidal period when the tide is falling
tornado watchA forecast issued to the public that a tornado may occur in a specified region.
erraticA large rock boulder that has been transported by glaciers away from its origin and deposited in a region of dissimilar rock.
chemical autotrophOrganism that uses the external energy found in chemical compounds to produce food molecules
fimbriaA short, hairlike prokaryotic appendage that functions in adherence to the substrate or to other cells
eugenics  The improvement of the population by "good genetic practices." The eugenics movement started in the late 19th Century, primarily in the U.K., and spread to Germany and the U.S
hydrotropismAbility of a plant to sense and grow toward water.
gerlA region of the endoplasmic reticulum involved in the packaging of molecules
polysomeA series of ribosomes translating a messenger RNA.
amino acidsthe subunits of a polypeptide chain or a protein.  Many amino acids bonded together form a polypeptide chain which becomes a protein.
biodieselAn alternative fuel for use in diesel engines that is made from natural renewable sources such animal fats or vegetable oils, and does not contain petroleum
autoimmune diseaseA disease that results when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues
dlDeciliter.
annelidaa phylum of animals that have segmented bodies with a one-way digestive tract, a circulatory system and a nervous system; includes earthworms.
amoeboidLike an amoeba
homosporousA term referring to a plant species that has a single kind of spore, which typically develops into a bisexual gametophyte.
mediterranean scrublandSee chaparral.
protistAn informal term applied to any eukaryote that is not a plant, animal, or fungus
monoclonal antibody drugsAn antibody preparation which is genetically homogenous and may be directed at a specific feature of the cancer cell.
thermoregulationThe maintenance of internal temperature within a tolerable range.
nuee ardenteA glowing cloud of dense hot volcanic gas and ash that moves downslope at high speeds, incinerating the landscape.
hypersensitivityAn excessive immune response that results from previous exposure to an antigen
pollinationTransfer of pollen to the stigmatic surface of the pistil.
cryptotopeAn immunological determinant that is hidden.
mismatch distributionThe distribution of numbers of differences between random pairs of sequences sampled from a population.
taxonomyClassification of living organisms (also known as systematics).
phagocyteA type of white blood cell that can ingest invading microorganisms and other foreign material.
desmosome/DEZ-mə-soam/ n
graniteMedium to coarse grained igneous rock that is rich in quartz and potassium feldspar
wave-cut notchA rock recess at the foot of a sea cliff where the energy of water waves is concentrated.
replicon fusionThe integration of one replicon into another to form a single replicon
atomOne unit of a given element.
stratificationSubpopulations of individuals within a larger population.
electronic lysisBacterial lysis due to electronic pulses.
combinatorial biologyThe use of libraries of recombinant microbes to produce complex natural products.
seed bankCollection of seeds available for germination in the soil.
amphotropic virusA virus that infects a wide range of mammalian host cell types.
isogamousProducing a single kind of gamete.
radioimmunoassayAn assay that utilizes radiolabeled antigens or antibodies to quantitate antibody-antigen interactions.
double-blindan experimental protocol whereby neither the experimental subjects nor the administrators know whether a drug or placebo is being administered
monozygotic twinsSee identical twins.
highly repeated sequenceSéquence non codante : Partie d'un gène qui ne définit pas directement la séquence en acides aminés de la protéine correspondante
host(1) An organism on or in which a parasite lives
germinationThe beginning of vegetative growth of a plant from a seed.
mutualismInterspecific interaction where both species experience and increase in their fitness after interacting with the other species
taigaSee Boreal Forest.
marineWith reference to ocean environments and processes.
steranesChemical derivatives of sterols that have been used as chemical fossils.
urban areaGeographic area with a high density of people over a limited area
intellectual property rightsPatents, copyrights, and trademarks
transparencyThe ability of a medium to allow light to pass through it.
cellThe basic structural and functional unit of life.  As humans, we are made of approximately 50 trillion cells!
physical therapyA type of treatment or therapy designed to help an individual who has difficulty with physical movement.  Physical therapists may use exercise, water, and other treatments to help improve muscle strength, range of motion, and motor skills.
sapwoodOuter layers of secondary xylem that still transport xylem sap.
redox reactionA chemical reaction involving the transfer of one or more electrons from one reactant to another; also called oxidation-reduction reaction.
amino acidAny of a class of 20 molecules that are combined to form proteins in living things
diplophase/DIP-low-faze/ n
neriticA term referring to ocean waters from the low-tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf at a depth of about 200 meters
disturbanceA force that changes a biological community and usually removes organisms from it
dyad/DIE-ad/ n
cognitive mapA representation within the nervous system of spatial relations between objects in an animal's environment.
ultracentrifugeA centrifuge that rotates samples at high speeds
phosphorusA common element in organic and living organisms.
northern blotTechnique in which RNA fragments separated by electrophoresis are transferred to a membrane and probed with a labeled nucleic acid probe to detect a specific RNA.
loculicidalWhen a fruit capsule dehisces along lines coinciding with the centers of loculi (the enclosed compartments within the ovary)
southwestern blotA blotting technique for the detection of DNA-protein interactions based on the use of labeled DNA to probe proteins transferred to membrane filters.
virusA noncellular biological entity that can reproduce only within a host cell
histosolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
phase iPart of clinical development in which an investigational new drug (IND) is tested on healthy humans in order to test its potential toxicity, its pharmacokinetic properties and its suitable dosage
bscSee biological species concept.
hinge regionA proline-rich region that allows an antibody to flex upon binding antigen.
down syndromeAn inherited condition due to an extra chromosome 21, either as a third chromosome 21 or attached to chromosome 13, 14 or 15
heterochronyEvolutionary changes in the timing or rate of development.
mitochondrial intermembrane spaceThe mitochondrial compartment between the outer and the inner membranes.
regA rocky desert landscape
crown groupThat part of a clade of living and fossil organisms that includes the last common ancestor of all the living forms and all of its descendants
adventitiousA term describing any plant organ that grows in an atypical location, such as roots growing from stems.
graded potentialA local voltage change in a neuron membrane induced by stimulation of a neuron, with strength proportional to the strength of the stimulus and lasting about a millisecond.
convertiblesSecurities (usually bonds or preferred shares) that can be converted into common stock.
agrobacterium tumefaciensa bacterium
tumoura mass of tissue, often consisting of abnormal or undifferentiated cells
depositionThe taking and recording of testimony of a witness under oath before a court reporter in a place away from the courtroom before trial.
functionSee molecular function.
metamorphismProcess that creates metamorphic rocks.
mollisolsGrassland soils with a thick, dark organic-surface horizon.
antibioticany substance that kills bacteria.
black smokera chimney-like structure formed by the precipitation of minerals at hydrothermal vents, as hot water (up to 400°C) from the earth's mantle is injected into the cold water of the deep ocean.
dipoleA separation of charge within a single molecule.
dyspnea/disp-NEE-yə/ n
gall-peters projectionMap projection system that reduces the area distortion found in Mercator projections.
system stateCurrent value of a system's elements, attributes, and/or relationships.
breakerThe quick collapse of an overextended water wave as it approaches the shoreline
inflorescenceStructure including flowers in the angiosperm.
effective population sizeAn estimate of the size of a population based on the numbers of females and males that successfully breed;
perched water tableWater table that is positioned above the normal water table for an area because of the presence of a impermeable rock layer.
fragmentationA means of asexual reproduction whereby a single parent breaks into parts that regenerate into whole new individuals
linkageanalysis of pedigree the tracking of a gene through a family by following the inheritance of a (closely associated) gene or trait and a DNA marker.
inorganic1
prophageA phage genome that has been inserted into a specific site on the bacterial chromosome.
mycorrhizaeMutualistic associations of plant roots and fungi.
anti-havAntibody to hepatitis A virus.
hormonaA substance produced by a tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to affect the physiological activit.
vlsiVery large scale integration allowing more than 100,000 transistors on a chip.
neurotransmitterN(Y)OOR-ō-TRANS-mit-er/ A messenger molecule released from one of the synaptic knobs of a neuron; after their release, which occurs at a synaptic cleft (see neuron diagram), neurotransmitters diffuse across the cleft and bind to the post synaptic cell, which results in its stimulation.
heterotrimeric g proteinA guanine nucleotide-binding protein consisting of three subunits.
gnathostomeMember of the vertebrate subgroup possessing jaws.
matingSee Conjugation.
false positiveA test result indicating that a person has a disease when, in fact, they do not have a disease.
fluvialInvolving running water
graphic scaleWay of expressing the scale of a map with a graphic.
synaptic cleftA narrow gap separating the synaptic knob of a transmitting neuron from a receiving neuron or an effector cell.
branching processA process in which individuals produce a random number of offspring, independently of each other.
synthetic biologyField of biological research and technology that combines science and engineering with the goal of designing and constructing new biological functions and systems not found in nature
blue-light photoreceptorsA class of light receptors in plants
adenovirusA group of DNA containing viruses which cause respiratory disease, including one form of the common cold
life historyThe series of events from birth through reproduction and death.
catalysisThe facilitation of a chemical reaction by a molecule that is not itself altered by the reaction.
down syndromeAlso called trisomy 21
asexual reproduction  Reproduction in which the products, either cells or organisms, are genetically identical to the parent
photosynthesisA biochemical process in which light absorbed by chlorophyll is utilized to build carbohydrate molecules.
analogySimilarity between two species that is due to convergent evolution rather than to descent from a common ancestor with the same trait.
mudflowForm of mass movement where fine textured sediments and soil mix with water to create a liquid flow.
bond strengthThe strength with which a chemical bond holds two atoms together; conventionally measured in terms of the amount of energy, in kilocalories per mole, required to break the bond.
sima layerThe part of the crust that forms the ocean basins and lower layers in the crust and is composed of relatively heavy, basaltic rocks.
magnetic northSee North Magnetic Pole.
langmuir-blodgett filmA lipid bilayer on the surface of water.
glumeA leaf- or bract-like structure; specifically one of the two bracts at the base of the spikelet in grass flowers.
diffusion/də-FYOO-shən, diff-/ n
social hierarchyAn arrangement within a group of animals, such as rabbits, where some individuals are dominant over others
rip currentA strong relatively narrow current of water that flows seaward against breaking waves.
cystic fibrosisan inherited disease in which a thick mucus clogs the lungs and blocks the ducts of the pancreas.
hereditythe transmission of characteristics from one generation to the next
kame terraceA long flat ridge composed of glaciofluvial sediment
epitopeA localized region on the surface of an antigen that is chemically recognized by antibodies; also called antigenic determinant.
technologyThe application of scientific knowledge for a specific purpose.
molecules  Molecules that include carbon are described as organic molecules, reflecting an earlier and false notion that they could be made only in biological systems.
proteinThe major macromolecular constituent of cells
indigo dyeA blue-colored dye that is derived from several plant species and commonly used to dye denim for blue jeans
cyclosporine– Extract of soil fungi with immunosuppressant and antifungal effects
nasalNAY-səl/ Pertaining to the nose.
celsius scaleScale for measuring temperature
backswampMarshy low lying area in a stream's floodplain
ring speciesA chain of interbreeding populations whose ends overlap without interbreeding.
spodosolsAcidic soils—typically found in coniferous forests—containing organic matter, aluminum oxides, and iron oxides.
sibsAn abbreviation for siblings.
shoot systemThe aerial portion of a plant body, consisting of stems, leaves, and (in angiosperms) flowers.
mesophileAn organism that prefers to live at moderate temperatures.
frost wedgingA process of physical weathering in which water freezes in a crack and exerts force on the rock causing further rupture.
gamma distributionThe sum of a number of independent, exponentially distributed variables (e.g., the time taken for a number of independent events to occur) follows a Gamma distribution.
polylinkerA short, synthetic DNA sequence containing several restriction enzyme recognition sites
thyroid-stimulating hormoneA tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary that regulates the release of thyroid hormones.
sequestration enabling reagentA reagent that sequesters starting materials or reaction by-products, in order to simplify removal from a reaction mixture.
suspension-feederAn aquatic animal, such as a clam or a baleen whale, that sifts small food particles from the water.
f factorAn episomal genetic element that enables a bacterium to transfer extrachromosomal DNA to a second bacterium.
volcanic ventAn opening on a volcano through which lava is released and rock fragments and ash are ejected.
half-lifeThe time that it takes for half of the activity of a molecule to decay.
antheridium pl. antheridiaIn plants, the male gametangium, a moist chamber in which gametes develop.
tautomerizationThe spontaneous isomerization of a nitrogen base from its normal keto (or amino) form to an alternative hydrogen-bonding enol (or imino) form.
retrovirustype of virus that contains RNA as its genetic information.
snoutFront end of a glacier
dnaMain component of chromosomes that is the material that transfers genetic characteristics in all life forms
diaphragmThe musculomembranous partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities, and serving as a major inspiratory muscle
sporogonyThe production of spores.
auxotrophA mutant that cannot grow on the minimal medium on which a wild-type member of the same species can grow.
laborA series of strong, rhythmic contractions of the uterus that expel a baby out of the uterus and vagina during childbirth.
coenocyticReferring to a multinucleated condition resulting from the repeated division of nuclei without cytoplasmic division.
tap rootRoot system in which the primary root has a much larger diameter than the lateral roots
inorganicNon-living thing
receptor  A protein that binds to another substance (the ligand) in order to initiate or modify some function.  Many receptors are imbedded in the plasma membrane and bind to ligands outside the cell.  In some instances this generates a signal at the cytoplasmic end of the receptor that modifies cellular activities.  An example is the insulin receptor, which responds to the presence of insulin outside the cell.  In other instances, binding of the ligand to the receptor causes the complex to be taken into the cell.  The LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptor is an example.  In the case of steroid receptors, the receptor is located in the cytoplasm.  Binding of estrogen or androgen to their respective receptors activates the receptors to move into the nucleus and modify the activities of specific target genes.
complement systemA group of at least 20 blood proteins that cooperate with other defense mechanisms; may amplify the inflammatory response, enhance phagocytosis, or directly lyse pathogens; activated by the onset of the immune response or by surface antigens on microorganisms or other foreign cells.
lysimeterMeteorological instrument used to measure potential and actual evapotranspiration.
exoskeletonA hard encasement on the surface of an animal, such as the shell of a mollusc or the cuticle of an arthropod, that provides protection and points of attachment for muscles
enzymeA protein that can speed up a specific chemical reaction without being changed or consumed in the process.
optical biosensorA sensor that uses light to detect the effect of a chemical on a biological system.
phase changeReorganization of a substance at the atomic or molecular level resulting in a change of the physical state of matter
eutrophic lakeA nutrient-rich and oxygenpoor lake, having a high rate of biological productivity
complianceCompliance described how accurately patients follow a regime given to them by a healthcare professional
neural tubeThe embryonic structure which forms into nervous system including the spinal cord and brain.
glucagonA hormone secreted by pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood glucose levels
wilms' tumorA kidney cancer (tumor) that occurs in children, usually before age five.
branch lengthThe length of a particular branch in an evolutionary tree
omim  Administration of GH from other sources during childhood increases the growth of such persons.
genetic screeningCarrying out a genetic test on a whole unselected population, or on all the members of a subset of the population (for example, people from a particular ethnic group, or pregnant women, or newborn infants.
winterSeason between fall and spring
delayed fluorescence immunoassay(DELFIA) A fluorescence technique based on the use of a molecule with a long fluorescence half-life.
mdcSee more developed country.
autopolyploidAn individual that has more than two chromosome sets, all derived from a single species.
manusthe most distal part of the forelimb of a vertebrate; in humans, this includes the wrist and hand.
velocity centrifugationThe separation of particles based on their rates of sedimentation.
d-loopThe structure formed when ssDNA pairs with a dsDNA molecule, disrupting the pairing of the original duplex DNA to form a hybrid between the ssDNA and one of the strands of the duplex DNA, and displacing the other strand from the duplex.
acetalThe product formed by the successive condensation of two alcohols with a single aldehyde
trnaSee under RNA.
x chromosome inactivationA dosage compensation mechanism in which most of the genes on one X chromosome are inactivated in female cells.
caenorhabditis elegansA nematode widely used in cell lineage studies.
activation energyThe energy that must be possessed by atoms or molecules in order to react.
darwinA unit for the rate of change of morphology
cd8A surface protein, present on most cytotoxic cells, that binds to class I MHC molecules on target cells, enhancing the interaction between the T cell and the target cell.
antibiotica chemical produced by one microorganism that can kill or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms; for example, penicillin and streptomycin.
cyclic ampCyclic adenosine monophosphate, a ring-shaped molecule made from ATP that is a common intracellular signaling molecule (second messenger) in eukaryotic cells (for example, in vertebrate endocrine cells)
heredityall of the traits passed on to children by parents (plant or animal) or the process of transferring these traits.
chemoautotrophAn organism that needs only carbon dioxide as a carbon source but that obtains energy by oxidizing inorganic substances.
allogeneicVariation in alleles among members of the same species.
natural killer cellBone marrow-derived, mononuclear white blood cells (large granular lymphocytes) that are able to kill invading microorganisms without activation by cells of the immune system
polycyclic landformLandform that shows the repeated influence of one or more major geomorphic processes over geological time
biostatisticsA specialized branch of applied statistics that deals with the statistical evaluation of experimental research or clinical trial results.
ocean basinPart of the Earth's outer surface that is comprised of the ocean floor, mid-oceanic ridges, continental rise, and continental slope
teratogenicSubstances such as chemicals or radiation that cause abnormal development of a embryo
protein affinity chromatographyA method for the direct characterization of protein-protein interactions.
substrateAny background material upon which a biological sample has been deposited (e.g., clothing, glass, wood, upholstery).
reduction principleIf selection is the only process acting, then the recombination rate will tend to decrease.
immune systemThe aggregation of cells, biological substances (such as antibodies) and cellular activities that work together to provide resistance to disease.
photochemical smogPhotochemical smog is a condition that develops when primary pollutants (oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds created from fossil fuel combustion) interact under the influence of sunlight to produce a mixture of hundreds of different and hazardous chemicals known as secondary pollutants
prader-willi syndromea condition characterized by obesity and insatiable appetite, mental deficiency, small genitals, and short stature
codon"Words" of the genetic code consisting of three successive nucleotide bases, or "letters"
mesotrophic lakeLake with a moderate nutrient supply
shoot systemThe aerial portion of a plant body, consisting of stems, leaves, and flowers.
biologics license applicationapplication filed with the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CDER) for approval to market a biologic drug.
interferonA chemical messenger of the immune system, produced by virus-infected cells and capable of helping other cells resist the virus.
skin biopsyA skin biopsy is a procedure where a piece of skin is removed to diagnose an illness
reflexAn automatic reaction to a stimulus, mediated by the spinal cord or lower brain.
companion cellA type of plant cell that is connected to a sieve-tube member by many plasmodesmata and whose nucleus and ribosomes may serve one or more adjacent sieve-tube members.
critical loadThe amount of added nutrient, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, that can be absorbed by plants without damaging ecosystem integrity.
molecular pattern recognitionComputational methods for the analysis of genome-wide expression patterns and and phenotypes.
necroticnə-CRAWT-ək/ Dead or dying (said of tissue).
stossSide of a slope that faces the direction of flow of ice, wind, or water
leachingThe dissolving of minerals and other elements in soil or rocks by the downward movement of water.
deletionLoss of a segment of a chromosome.
third party defense motionA motion filed by the prosecution to preclude the defense from asserting that DNA evidence is derived from a third party, possibly a relative of the accused.
myotonic dystrophya combination of progressive weakening of the muscles and muscle spasms or rigidity, with difficulty relaxing a contracted muscle; inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
cecumA blind outpocket of a hollow organ such as an intestine.
computer-assisted drug designComputational techniques to design and optimize biologically active compounds with desired structure and properties.
pulse-chaseAn experiment in which a short labeling period is followed by the addition of an excess of the same, unlabeled compound to dilute out the labeled material
sugar sourceA plant organ in which sugar is being produced by either photosynthesis or the breakdown of starch
auto-A prefix that indicates self-origin.
normal faultVertical fault where one slab of the rock is displaced up and the other slab down
first law of thermodynamicsSee Law of Conservation of Energy.
alcohol fermentationThe conversion of pyruvate to carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol.
post-lingualAfter the development of language (speech).
bioelectronicsThe study of intermolecular electron transfer in biological processes
probability densityThe probability that a random variable is in a small interval of size δx is equal to the probability density multiplied by δx.
alleleOne copy of a gene.
genetic codeThe code by which a nucleotide sequence is translated into an amino acid sequence
thermodynamic lawsLaws that describe the physical processes, relationships, and phenomena associated with heat.
acrylamide gelSee Page
spectrophotometryThe determination of the structure or quantity of substances by measuring their capacity to absorb light of various wavelengths.
nernst equationThe relationship between ion concentration and membrane potential.
centromereThe chromosomal region to which spindle fibers attach when cells divide.
granulocyteA type of blood cell involved in inflammatory reactions.
biosensorA device that uses a biological element, such as an immobilized enzyme or cell, as a sensor.
photosynthatesThe products of photosynthesis.
codominanceThe equal expression of both copies of a gene in an individual.
moleThe number of grams of a substance that equals its molecular weight in daltons and contains Avogadro's number of molecules.
cerebellumPart of the vertebrate hindbrain located dorsally; functions in unconscious coordination of movement and balance.
system elementSystem elements are the kinds of things or substances composing the system
antigensA substance that when introduced into the body stimulates the production of an antibody
antimitoticAn agent that decreases the rate of mitosis.
genomeThe total genetic content of a cell or a virus.
element  There is one proton in the nucleus, and there are no neutrons in the common form (isotope), although forms with one or two neutrons exist.
geostationary orbitSatellite that has an orbit that keeps it over the same point on the Earth at all times
dsdnaDouble-stranded DNA.
benign tumorA mass of abnormal cells that remains at the site of origin.
daltonn
in situIn a natural environment.
cryostatic pressurePressure exerted on a substance by ice at rest.
chromosomes  In the case of humans, there would be 92 chromosomes (4 × 23).
antibioticA natural product that inhibits bacterial growth (is bacteriostatic) and sometimes results in bacterial death (is bacteriocidal).
fossil fuelCarbon based remains of organic matter that has been geologically transformed into coal, oil and natural gas
gap repairThe repair of a gap (or nick) introduced into a DNA strand by the loss of one or more nucleotides.
kinetoplastAn independently replicating organelle lying near the base of the flagellum in kinetoplastids.
cationPositively charged ion
dttpThymidine triphosphate.
carrying capacityThe maximum population size that can be supported by the available resources, symbolized as K.
net biome productivityAmount of organic carbon that remains in a biome after accounting for carbon losses or gains from disturbances such as fire, disease, and human land use.
totipotencyThe ability of embryonic cells to retain the potential to form all parts of the animal.
grid southThe direction south as measured on the Universal Transverse Mercator grid system.
chemoheterotrophAn organism that must obtain both energy and carbon by consuming organic molecules.
geomorphic thresholdThe amount of slow accumulated change a landform can take before it suddenly moves into an accelerated rate of change that takes it to a new system state.
sds-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresisA commonly used method to separate proteins by gel electrophoresis on the basis of size.
nuclideA single isotope.
western blotSimilar in principle to a Southern blot, but where the species adsorbed to the nitrocellulose filter is a protein, and the detection makes use of specific antibodies.
neSee effective population size.
polymorphismsthe differences in DNA sequences that occur naturally
heterologous proteinSee recombinant protein.
growth hormoneA hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary that has both direct (nontropic) effects and tropic effects on a wide variety of tissues.
multifactorial or multigenic disorderSee: polygenic disorder
anaerobeAny microorganism that grows in the absence of molecular oxygen.
colchicineA drug that inhibits the polymerization of microtubules.
chemotherapyThe application of chemicals (drugs) to control the growth of cells that form a cancer.
gel electrophoresisThe process of separating charged species by subjecting them to a voltage gradient
irreducible complexitythe characteristic of a system of well-matched, mutually interacting parts performing a specific function, in which the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to cease functioning.
isobarLines on a map joining points of equal atmospheric pressure.
estivationSummer torpor; a physiological state that is characterized by slow metabolism and inactivity and that permits survival during long periods of elevated temperature and diminished water supplies
gene technologyThe technology to take a single gene from a plant or animal cell and insert it into another plant or animal cell of a different species.
gmoAn abbreviation for "genetically modified organism"
calcareousComposed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
infant mortalityThe number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
cleft lip/palatecongenital condition with cleft lip alone, or with cleft palate; cause is thought to be multifactorial.
nucleaseany enzyme that cuts nucleic acids
dThis symbol is used in several ways
ascus pl. asciA saclike spore capsule located at the tip of the ascocarp in dikaryotic hyphae; defining feature of the Ascomycota division of fungi.
hyperpolarizationAn electrical state whereby the inside of the cell is made more negative relative to the outside than at the resting membrane potential
scaffoldingLinking related instructional components.
filter optionsFiltering masks of portions of a query sequence that have low compositional complexity (such as short internal repeats or poly-A sequences) to reduce the frequency of statistically significant but biologically uninteresting BLAST results.
multiplex assayA procedure for the parallel analysis of pooled samples.
styleThe portion of the pistil that connects the stigma and the ovary.
ribosomeA structure consisting of small and large ribonucleoprotein units that is the site of intracellular protein biosynthesis.
gapA spatial opening in a plant community
independentThe probability of the an event occurring is not influenced by the occurrence of another event
ratchetan anti-dilution provision where an investor is granted additional shares of stock without charge if the company later sells the shares at a lower price.
intronPart of a gene that is not used to make protein and is cut out from from the RNA between transcription and translation.
system attributeA system attribute is the perceived characteristic of a system element
haustoriumIn certain symbiotic fungi, specialized hyphae that can penetrate the tissues of host organisms.
tet resistanceSee "Antibiotic resistance".
substrate-level phosphorylationThe formation of ATP by directly transferring a phosphate group to ADP from an intermediate substrate in catabolism.
graptoliteAny member of the Graptolithina, a class of extinct marine invertebrate animals
immune responseThe response of the immune system to challenge by a foreign antigen.
cost of natural selectionSee substitution load.
initiatorThe initiator, one of the components of a gene promoter
greenhouse effectThe greenhouse effect causes the atmosphere to trap more heat energy at the Earth's surface and within the atmosphere by absorbing and re-emitting longwave energy
nativeOrganisms that have not been recently introduced into an ecosystem.
ozone layerAtmospheric concentration of ozone found at an altitude of 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface
osmosisThe diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane down the water potential gradient (from areas of high water potential to areas of low water potential)
erythropoietinA hormone produced in the kidney when tissues of the body do not receive enough oxygen
forebrainOne of three ancestral and embryonic regions of the vertebrate brain; develops into the thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebrum
terminal transferaseTransfert d'ADN : Transfert d'ADN dénaturé, depuis un gel (agarose par exemple) sur une membrane (nitrocellulose par exemple), où il peut être hybridé avec un acide nucléique complémentaire
in vitro"In glass" -- that is, in an artificial environment such as a test tube or laboratory dish.
pacemakerA specialized region of the right atrium of the mammalian heart that sets the rate of contraction; also called the sinoatrial (SA) node
paleontological species conceptDefinition of species based on morphological differences known only from the fossil record.
richter scaleA logarithmic measurement scale of earthquake magnitude
star genealogyA genealogy in which all lineages coalesce in a common ancestor at the same time
templateA single-stranded polynucleotide (or region of a polynuceotide) that can be copied to produce a complementary polynucleotide.
hydrophobic  [Greek hydor water + phobos fear] Descriptive of substances that do not mix with water
invertebrateAny animal lacking a spinal column or back bone
insecticideA chemical that kills insects.
helicaseA protein that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.
clastic sedimentary rockSedimentary rocks that are formed by the lithification of weathered rock debris that has been physically transported and deposited.
degradationA gradual wearing down or away
functional foodsfoods containing compounds with beneficial health effects beyond those provided by the basic nutrients, minerals and vitamins.
pressure melting pointTemperature at which minerals deep within the Earth and ice below the surface of a glacier are caused to melt because of the introduction of pressure.
valley breezeLocal thermal circulation pattern found in areas of topographic relief
orthographic projectionMap projection that presents the Earth's surface in two-dimensions as if it were being observed from a great distance in space
rna messengerARN précurseur : ARN représentant le produit de transcription primaire d'un gène
ap endonucleaseAn enzyme that binds an abasic site and creates a nick on the 5'-side, yielding a 3'-hydroxyl and a 5'-abasic sugar phosphate
talikAn unfrozen section of ground found above, below, or within a layer of discontinuous permafrost
dominance hierarchyA linear "pecking order" of animals, where position dictates characteristic social behaviors.
white blood cellThey are a very important part of the body's defense against bacterial infection
palliative treatmentTreatment, the sole aim of which is to remove or lessen the debilitating effects of, for example cancer.
lgtSee lateral gene transfer.
host cellA cell used for growth and reproduction of a virus.
cleared lysateA cell extract that has been centrifuged to remove cell debris, subcellular particles, and much of the chromosomal DNA.
input traitsTraits introduced into crop plants with the aim of lowering the cost of production and improving the performance of the crop in the field
deoxyribonucleic acid contains the genetic ‘instructions' used in the development and function of all living organisms.
poisson distributionThe probability that j independent events occur is (λj/j!)e–λ, where λ is the expected number of events.
strokeThe death of nervous tissue in the brain, usually resulting from rupture or blockage of arteries in the head.
oxidative metabolismThe use of molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor in the breakdown of organic molecules.
dextrosen
moleculeTwo or more atoms held together by covalent bonds.
tristylyA polymorphism with three different arrangements of anther and stigma
genotypeThe genetic constitution of an organism, as distinguished from its physical appearance (its phenotype)
neuronA cell specialized for the transmission of nerve impulses.
proteina molecule made up of amino acids linked together
environmental genomicsSee metagenomics.
homoduplexA molecule of double-stranded nucleic acid where the two strands have exactly complementary base sequences.
acrocentric  [Greek akron extremity + centric.] A chromosome in which the centromere is located near one end, creating very unequal arms.
pluralismThe belief that there are multiple opinions about an issue, each of which contains part of the truth, but none that contain the whole truth.
abnormalAny change from the ‘correct' or ‘usual'
tilTumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
associative learningThe acquired ability to associate one stimulus with another; also called classical conditioning.
t cellA T-lymphocyte.
updraftUpward movement of air.
off ladder allelesAlleles that size outside allele categories represented in the ladder.
trophic structureThe different feeding relationships in an ecosystem, which determine the route of energy flow and the pattern of chemical cycling.
myotoniainability to relax muscles after contraction.
virtual cellA computational simulation of a living cell.
virtual imageAn image (as seen in a plane mirror) formed of points from which divergent rays (as of light) seem to emanate without actually doing so
protein structureSeveral levels of protein structure are spoken of
crpCatabolite receptor protein, also called CAP or catabolite activator protein
cam photosynthesisSee Crassulacean acid metabolism.
monophyletic cladeDescendants from a single ancestral line.
convectionThe mass movement of warmed air or liquid to or from the surface of a body or object.
basophilA multinucleated leucocyte characterized by cytoplasmic granules that release histamine and other hypersensitivity response effectors.
solar energySee insolation.
superovulationOvulation of a large group of oocytes (eggs) by a female as a result of hormonal stimulation.
sporeIn the life cycle of a plant or alga undergoing alternation of generations, a meiotically produced haploid cell that divides mitotically, generating a multicellular individual, the gametophyte, without fusing with another cell.
zygosporangiumIn zygomycete fungi, a sturdy multinucleate structure in which karyogamy and meiosis occur.
subtropicalThe climatic and geographic zone between the Tropics and temperate zone that has intermediate temperatures.
segregationSee Mendel's first law.
evolutionarily stable strategyA strategy that cannot be displaced by any alternative
vertical evolutionSee vertical descent.
graniteGranite is a coarse-grained, usually light-colored, igneous rock that cools deep under the Earth's surface
effectorIn a closed system, the element that initiates an action in response to a signal from a
epiphyteA plant that nourishes itself but grows on the surface of another plant for support, usually on the branches or trunks of tropical trees.
transposaseAn enzyme involved in the transfer of transposons within a genome.
bioengineeringAnother term for genetic engineering.
pfgeSee Pulsed field gel electrophoresis.
f- strainE.coli strain behaving as recipients during conjugation (female)
swellA relatively smooth ocean wave that travels some distance from the area of its generation.
gynecologistA doctor who specializes in the health care of women.
eolian landformIs a landform formed from the erosion or deposition of weathered surface materials by wind
nearest-neighbor exchangeA method for searching phylogenetic tree space whereby a new tree is generated from a starting tree by swapping neighboring branches in the starting tree.
arachidonic acidEicosatetraenoic acid, a precursor for the synthesis of signaling molecules, such as prostaglandins and thromboxanes
true-breedingReferring to plants that produce offspring of the same variety when they selfpollinate.
virus-induced gene silencingSilencing that is induced by the presence of viral genomic RNA
synapsidAny member of the vertebrate group Synapsida, characterized by a single temporal opening in the skull
sea stackA steep pillar of rock located in the ocean a short distance from the coastline
representative fractionThe expression of map scale as a mathematical ratio.
scleractinianAny member of the cnidarian group Scleractinia, or "hard-rayed" corals
alpha helixA helical configuration formed by a protein chain in which successive turns are held together by hydrogen bonds between the peptide links.
ectopicOccuring in an unusual place or form.
larynxThe voice box, containing the vocal cords.
divergenceHorizontal outflow of wind from an area
tertiary consumerA member of a trophic level of an ecosystem consisting of carnivores that eat mainly other carnivores.
topoisomerase chemotherapeuticsAntagonists of that group of enzymes, (topoisomerase enzymes) that untangle chromosomal DNA in the process of cell division.
cryoprotectantA molecule that prevents the formation of ice crystals in frozen cells
cohortA cohort is a group of people who participate in a research study in which participants' health is monitored over time.
chronicityThe quality of being chronic or persisting over a long period of time.
stratovolcanoSee composite volcano.
gene frequencythe relative occurrence of a particular allele in a population
classA taxonomic grouping of related, similar orders; category above order and below phylum.
probabilityFrequency of an event in an number of repetitions of an experiment.
chemo-autotrophA microorganism that obtains energy from light-independent inorganic reactions.
buddingAn asexual means of propagation in which outgrowths from the parent form and pinch off to live independently or else remain attached to eventually form extensive colonies.
direct selectionSee selection, direct.
covarianceA measure of association between two variables (x, y)
phospholipidSee the section of the course on Cell Membranes and specifically phospholipids.
mass spectrometryIt is an analytical technique that measures the mas/charge ratio of the ions formed when a molecule or atom is ionized, vaporize and introduced into a vacuum.
att siteSee attachment site.
radioactive suicideThe death of cells due to incorporation of a radioactive substrate with high specific activity
algaePhotosynthetic, aquatic, eukaryotic organisms that contain chlorophyll but lack terrestrial plant structures (e.g., roots, stems, and leaves)
pluripotent stem cellA cell within bone marrow that is a progenitor for any kind of blood cell.
inosilicateSubclass of the silicate class of minerals
cyanobacteriaBacteria that have the ability to photosynthesize.
lymphokinesPowerful chemical substances secreted by lymphocytes
avian influenzaReferred to as the "bird flu", this is a highly contagious influenza virus that can infect any bird.
pharmacophoreThe 3-D coordinates of atoms corresponding to pharmacologically active components of a drug molecule.
substantial equivalencea non-scientific term to describe novel food crops produced by genetic engineering or modification technologies that have passed compulsory, regulatory tests for stability, nutritional properties and safety.
bloodborne pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms that are present in blood and can cause disease in humans
huntington disease  A deterioration of certain central nervous system functions that lead to choreiform movements (involuntary jerky movements) and loss of mental abilities
phenotypeAn organism's observable traits, considered as a whole or in part
biomeAny of the world's major ecosystems, classified according to the predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment.
reproductive cellsEgg and sperm cells
faunaAnimals or animal life from a specific geologic time or geographic locality.
founder effectA cause of genetic drift attributable to colonization by a limited number of individuals from a parent population.
insertA fragment of DNA integrated into a cloning vector.
archegoniumIn plants, the female gametangium, a moist chamber in which gametes develop.
locusA specific place along the length of a chromosome where a given gene is located.
uniformitarianismCharles Lyell's idea that geologic processes have not changed throughout Earth's history.
drainage patternGeometric pattern that a stream's channels take in the landscape
helpful bacteriawork with bodily systems, not against them; for example, Lactobacillus acidophilus help the digestive system work efficiently.
vesicleA sac made of membrane inside of cells.
unconformityA break in the sequence of sedimentary strata
multigene locusA closely linked cluster of functionally related genes.
iptgAn abbreviation for isopropyl-ß-D-thiogalactoside
pellicleThe outer region of cytoplasm of some protozoa, the term is applied only when the region can be distinguished because it appears to be relatively stiff and highly structured
osmoregulationHow organisms regulate solute concentrations and balance the gain and loss of water.
y-box-binding protein-1(YB-1)
anodeThe positive electrode of an electrophoretic system toward which anions migrate.
blood brain barrierAn assembly of partially permeable membranes separating the brain from the rest of the body.
semipermeableThe characteristic of allowing only some molecules, usually smaller or uncharged ones, to pass through.
amino groupA functional group that consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms; can act as a base in solution, accepting a hydrogen ion and acquiring a charge of +1.
convergenceHorizontal inflow of wind into an area
screeningThe process of testing for disease in a person who does not show signs of having the disease (nonsymptomatic person)
exclusive eventsEvents for which the occurrence of one precludes the occurrence of the other.
lateral geniculate nucleiThe destination in the thalamus for most of the ganglion cell axons that form the optic nerves.
segregationSeparation of alleles at meiosis.
isotopeOne of several atomic forms of an element, each containing a different number of neutrons and thus differing in atomic mass.
templateA pattern or mold guiding the formation of a negative or complementary copy.
selectionA cell culture method that enables cells with specific characteristics to be isolated from a mixture of cells.
coordinate inductionThe simultaneous expression of two or more genes.
determinate cleavageA type of embryonic development in protostomes that rigidly casts the developmental fate of each embryonic cell very early.
broad-sense heritabilitySee heritability.
genetic testingAnalyzing an individual's genetic material to determine predisposition to a particular health condition or to confirm a diagnosis of genetic disease.
prokaryotesOrganisms that do not have nuclei
equilibriumState in which gene and genotypic frequencies remain constant in a population from one generation to the next.
opportunistic speciesSpecies characterized by high reproduction rates, rapid development, early reproduction, small body size, and uncertain adult survival.
epidemiologyThe study of the incidence, distribution and control of disease in a population.
predictive clinical modelsA method of evaluating and predicting the efficacy of a potential drug on e.g
cervixThe neck of the uterus, which opens into the vagina.
lymphocyte tA type of white blood cell or leukocyte which participates in the cell-mediated immune response.
biodegradableA material that can be broken down to simpler components by a biological process.
recumbent foldA fold in which the axial plane is almost horizontal.
taxonA unit of classification (e.g., species, genus).
glycolipidA lipid consisting of two hydrocarbon chains linked to a polar head group containing carbohydrates.
ovuleFemale gametophyte, which donates the egg and two polar nuclei for double fertilization in plants.
degenerate primerA PCR primer sequence is called degenerate if some of its positions have several possible bases.
pollinationthe transfer of pollen in a flower from the stamen to the pistil (male to female).
sand seaA large region of sand and sand dunes in a desert
cultureAs a noun, cultivation of living organisms in prepared medium; as a verb, to grow in prepared medium.
frequency-dependent selectionA decline in the reproductive success of a morph resulting from the morph's phenotype becoming too common in a population; a cause of balanced polymorphism in populations.
transcriptionRNA formation from a DNA template by complementary base pairing.
conceptionThe fertilization of the egg by a sperm cell in humans.
orphan druga drug that treats a disease that affects less than 200,000 Americans or for which there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of research and development will be recovered from sales in the United States
independent eventsEvents for which the probability of one event occurring is not influence by the occurrence of the other event.
aplysiaA small marine organism widely used for neurobiological studies.
aldehydeA molecule containing a doubly bonded oxygen and a hydrogen attached to the same carbon atom.
asteroidOne of thousands of small planet-like bodies
neurotransmitterA small, hydrophilic molecule that carries a signal from a stimulated neuron to a target cell at a synapse.
moldA rapidly growing fungus that reproduces asexually by producing spores.
likelihood ratioA ratio of the probability of generating a particular data set given one hypothesis relative to the probability of generating the same data given another hypothesis ((Prob(D|H1)/Prob(D|H2))
digestionThe hydrolysis of macromolecules resulting in the release of component structures.
primary growthGrowth initiated by the apical meristems of a plant root or shoot.
spatial analysisThe examination of the spatial pattern of natural and human-made phenomena using numerical analysis and statistics.
immunityAn inherited, acquired, or produced resistance to infection by a specific pathogen.
plant embryogenesisA plant cell culture technique that produces plant embryos from small pieces of plant tissue
eukaryotea unicellular or multicellular organism whose cells contain a nucleus and internal cellular bodies (organelles)
staminateReferring to the stamen
photodissociationThe splitting of a molecule by photon normally from the Sun.
nasalrelating to the nose.
ex vivoThe external alteration of tissue taken from an organism and subsequently returned to the organism.
endocrineA gland that synthesizes and secretes hormones directly into the circulatory system.
molecular weightSee Gram molecular weight.
carbon cycleThe complex carbon flows and transformations among major Earth system components (atmosphere, oceans, and terrestrial systems)
yeastA unicellular form of fungi
directional selectionSelection favoring one extreme phenotype.
csiroCommonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
logistic population growthA model describing population growth that levels off as population size approaches carrying capacity.
rna polymeraseAn enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of ribonucleotides into a sequence complementary to a pre-existent DNA template.
congenitalPresent since birth.
autoimmune diseaseAn immunological disorder in which the immune system turns against self.
opsonizationCoating a particle with opsonin proteins.
distance ratioMethod for measuring the gradient of a slope
solutionA liquid that is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
tendonA type of fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
polar vortexHigh pressure system located in the upper atmosphere at the polar regions
corticosteroidSteroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland.
zooplanktonSmall heterotrophic organisms found inhabiting aquatic ecosystems
noduleA swelling on the root of a legume
mercury barometerType of barometer that measures changes in atmospheric pressure by the height of a column of mercury in a U-shaped tube which has one end sealed and the other end immersed in an open container of mercury
halophyteA plant that can tolerate a high concentration of salt in the growing medium.
screeninglooking for evidence of a particular disease such as cancer in persons with no symptoms of disease.
acritarcha single-celled organism enveloped by an acid-resistant wall
genotypeThe actual genes
chloramphenicolAn antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 50s ribosomal subunit and blocking the peptidyltransferase reaction
active siteThe specific portion of an enzyme that attaches to the substrate by means of weak chemical bonds.
elementA substance composed of atoms with the same
micropyleThe part of the ovule where the pollen tube accesses the embryo sac.
proximate causationThe hypothesis about why natural selection favored a particular animal behavior.
eukaryoteOrganism which possess a membrane bound nucleus that contains the organism's chromosomes.
graupelA type of precipitation that consists of a snow crystal and a raindrop frozen together
gametangiumMulticellular plant structures in which gametes are formed
water consumptionThe complete removal of water from some type of source, like groundwater, for some use by humans
myopathyany disease or abnormal condition of voluntary muscle
deletionA loss of part of the DNA from a chromosome; can lead to a disease or abnormality
breathing control centerA brain center that directs the activity of organs involved in breathing.
chromogenA molecule with a chromophore that is colorless until the chromophore is modified chemically.
slateA fine grained metamorphic rock with well developed bedding planes derived from the slight recrystrallization of shale.
syngeneicGenetically identical members of the same species.
tracerAn added or injected substance that can be followed within a reaction or an organism, such as radioactive isotopes and certain dyes.
brainstemThe hindbrain and midbrain of the vertebrate central nervous system
thermal energySee heat.
synapseThe chemical connection for communication between two nerve cells or between a nerve cell and a target cell such as a muscle cell.
pulsed field gel electrophoresisA gel electrophoresis technique that employs an electric field that alternates between two different vectors to achieve separation of very large molecules of DNA.
cretaceousa geological period lasting from about 145 to 65 million years ago, at the end of which dinosaurs became extinct.
nitrogen saturationOver abundance of nitrogen in natural ecosystems because of human induced inputs related to agriculture and fossil fuel combustion.
rough erThe region of the endoplasmic reticulum covered with ribosomes and involved in protein metabolism.
algorithmA step-by-step, effective procedure for calculation or automated reasoning
null hypothesisA hypothesis that is presumed true and against which alternative hypotheses are tested statistically.
r horizonSoil horizon found beneath the C horizon
interspecific competitionCompetition for resources between plants, between animals, or between decomposers when resources are in short supply.
attenuatedWeakened; no longer infectious.
nucleic acidA large polymer consisting of a linear stretch of nucleotides, as in DNA and RNA.
major histocompatibility complexA group of genes that control several aspects of the immune response
proterozoicGeologic eon that occurred from 570 to 2500 million years ago
solid phase extractionA sample purification method based on the affinity of either the desired or undesired components of a reaction mixture for a solid material and subsequent filtration of the solid material from the reaction.
stereoisomersMolecules whose atoms are connected with each other in the same way but are arranged differently in space
land breezeLocal thermal circulation pattern found at the interface between land and water
paleozoicGeologic era that occurred from 570 to 245 million years ago.
south poleSurface location defined by the intersection of the polar axis with Earth's surface in the Southern Hemisphere
leaving groupA group that departs during a substitution reaction.
chromosomeLinked genes and markers tend to be inherited together.
enzyme denaturationThe loss of the 3-D structure of an enzyme.
ice jamThe accumulation of ice at a specific location along a stream channel
molecular recognitionThe binding of two molecules though noncovalent bonds in which the shape of the molecules plays a key role in the strength of binding.
fallSeason between summer and winter
lymphocyteWhite blood cell found in lymphoid tissue and blood
mudstoneFine grained sedimentary rock composed of lithified silt and clay particles.
cervixShort structure essentially forming a gate to the interior part of the female reproductive system, the uterus.
riboseThe sugar component of RNA.
major histocompatibility complexA set of closely linked genes in vertebrates that play a key role in the immune response
genomea living thing's total DNA.
biocharBiomass-derived black carbon.
selection indexProcedure used to find appropriate weights for records (one or more traits) of an individual and its relatives and to combine information into a single value to rank individuals for selection.
virionThe mature virus, the ultimate phase of viral development
coancestryA measure of the relatedness of two individuals
wetlandAn ecosystem intermediate between an aquatic one and a terrestrial one
immunologistA doctor that specializes in conditions of the immune system.
specialist speciesSpecies that have a relatively narrow ecological niche
orange bookalso known as the Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, the Orange Book contains detailed information on all approved drugs and must list all extant patents.
decaliter/DEK-ə-LEET-er/ n
antibioticsA substance that kills bacteria within the body.
diffractionThe bending of light caused by the presence of an object.
eastingFirst measurement of a grid reference used to specific the location of a point on a rectangular coordinate system
diaphragm(1) A sheet of muscle that fonns the bottom wall of the thoracic cavity in mammals; active in ventilating the lungs
barometerInstrument that measures atmospheric pressure.
agingA decrease in survival or reproduction with age
developmentThe term usually is applied to chemical or physical agents, such as alcohol or radiation
electromagnetic spectrumThe entire spectrum of radiation ranging in wavelength from less than a nanometer to more than a kilometer.
stem cellsStem cells can differentiate into a range of specialized cells (they are "pluripotent")
glial cellA specialized cell that surrounds neurons, providing metabolic and physical support.
heart rateThe rate of heart contraction.
homology(i) Sequence identity between two nucleotide sequences
mitosiscell division resulting in daughter (new) cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent; the chromosomes are divided before the cell divides.
virulenceThe relative ability of an organism to cause disease.
tracheidA cell with strengthened walls that functions to transport fluid within plants.
shifting balance theoryA theory developed by Sewall Wright, in which species evolve toward the best among many alternative adaptive peaks.
locus historyLocus history records any comments of interest associated with the gene, such as mapping information, other names that the gene has been called (especially in the case where the other name is used in the database for yet a different locus), etc., and can be viewed by clicking the Locus History link from the bottom of each locus page
gas chromatographyAn automated method for separating a substance into its components
ß-galactosidaseAn enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of lactose into glucose + galactose
leading strandThe new continuous complementary DNA strand synthesized along the template strand in the mandatory 5' to 3' direction.
pathogena biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host
inclusion bodiesBodies formed within bacterial cells for the storage of various materials
helicasesProteins that unwind the DNA double helix.
impressionAn impression is a mark or print left behind on something by an object or animal that was there before
innate behaviorBehavior that is developmentally fixed and under strong genetic control
hypotonicHypotonic or hypotonia means having less than normal tone or tension.  Children with CMD are often hypotonic at, or shortly after, birth.
correlationStandardized measure of the degree of association between two characteristics.
multimerA molecular aggregate held together by noncovalent bonds.
miniplasmidModification d'un acide nucléique : Toute transformation subie par les nucléotides après leur assemblage dans un polynucléotide
phosphorylatedReferring to a molecule that has been the recipient of a phosphate group.
tragedy of the commonsWhere self-interested exploitation of common resources leads to a worse outcome for all
dust domeDome of air that surrounds a city created from the urban heat island effect that traps pollutants like particulate matter.
maunder minimumPeriod from 1645 to 1715 during which the Sun had very little sunspot activity.
chimeraAn organism with a mixture of genetically different cells.
wet depositionThe transport of gases and minute liquid and solid particles from the atmosphere to the ground surface with the aid of precipitation or fog
chemosynthesisThe process by which some microbes make food (carbohydrates) by oxidation of simple inorganic compounds, rather than by photosynthesis.
icosahedral symmetryThe symmetry displayed by a regular polyhedron that is composed of 20 equilateral triangular faces with 12 corners.
population bottleneckType of genetic drift that occurs as the result of a population being drastically reduced in numbers by an event having little to do with the usual forces of natural selection.
secondary successionA type of succession that occurs where an existing community has been severely cleared by some disturbance.
chelateOrganic substances that cause the chemical process of chelation.
fadh2See flavin adenine dinucleotide.
truncation selectionSelection that eliminates those with the largest (or smallest) trait values.
dimethyl sulfoxideA colorless liquid that dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds
synthetic lethalityThis term is used to identify and describe interaction data displayed at SGD
heart murmurA hissing sound that occurs when blood squirts backward through a leaky valve in the heart.
receptacleThe base of a flower; the part of the stem that is the site of attachment of the floral organs.
expression systemA cell-based protein synthesis system programmed by an expression vector.
seminiferous tubules  Enclosed channels in the testes in which spermatozoa are produced
open chromatinSee the more technical term, euchromatin.
cam kinaseA member of a family of protein kinases that are activated by the binding of Ca2+/calmodulin.
phenotypeMeasurable functional and structural characteristics of an organism as determined by the interaction of the genotype with the environment.
physiologythe processes which contribute to the maintenance of a constant internal environment.
pulseA measurement of heart rate; distention of an artery that can be felt each time the heart contracts.
phenotypePhenotype is how a person looks (on the outside and inside the body) due to his or her genes and the environment (for example, having a certain eye color, being a specific blood type, or being a certain height)
pterinsA group of substances (metabolites) produced during the breakdown of tetrahydrobiopterin in the body
second messengerA small, nonprotein, watersoluble molecule or ion, such as calcium ion or cyclic AMP, that relays a signal to a cell's interior in response to a signal received by a signal receptor protein.
zone of accumulationArea of a glacier where additions of snow exceed losses of ice from melting, evaporation, and sublimation.
modelingThe use of statistical analysis, computer analysis, or model organisms to predict outcomes of research.
deliquesce/del-lə-KWESS/ v
flow field effectA technology utilized in the design of microfluidics systems that utilizes field effects to control flow.
neritic zoneThe shallow region of the ocean overlying the continental shelf.
bermLow hill of sand that forms along coastal beaches.
tetratypeIn fungi, a tetrad of spores that contains four different types; e.g., AB, aB, Ab and ab.
metabolismProcesses for the synthesis, modification, and breakdown of molecules within a living organism.
analogyA similarity due to convergent evolution (common function) but not inheritance from a common ancestor (bat's wings and bird's wings)
prenylationThe addition of isoprenoid groups to proteins
word sizeThe Word Size (W) is a BLAST parameter that determines the minimum length of a match
selectionProcess of choosing parents for the next generation
productAn ending material in a chemical reaction.
barr body  See sex chromatin.
resistant bacteriastrains of bacteria that enables them to survive the action of an antibiotic or antimicrobial drug.
energy transferThe transfer of energy from one chromophore to another by a process dependent on the distance between the two molecules
lactealA tiny lymph vessel extending into the core of an intestinal villus and serving as the destination for absorbed chylomicrons.
replica platingA technique for transferring an identical pattern of bacterial colonies from one petrie plate (the master plate) to a series of other plates containing different media
albinism  A condition in which normal pigment is absent or greatly diminished
baselineResidual signal associated with an instrument's blank response.
spring tideTide that occurs every 14 to 15 days and coincides with the new and full moon
correspondence analysisCorrespondence analysis is an ordination technique that identifies the major trends in the variation of the data and distributes genes along continuous axes in accordance with these trends
noncompetitive inhibitorAn inhibitor of enzyme activity whose effect is not reversed by increasing the concentration of substrate molecule.
phagocytosisThe uptake of large particles, such as bacteria, by a cell, sometimes called “cell eating.”
diurnalAn organism that is active during the daytime rather than at night.
kringleA conserved protein domain whose 2-D representation resembles a Scandinavian pastry known as a kringle.
sensitive periodA limited phase in an individual animal's development when learning of particular behaviors can take place
law of segregationGenetic factors appear in pairs within an individual
membranomeA rather vague term referring to the collection of biological membranes in a cell or organism — particularly with reference to their informational role
day-neutral plantA plant whose flowering is not affected by photoperiod.
pyranoseA simple sugar containing the six-membered pyran ring.
lichenOrganism that consists of a symbiotic joining of a species of fungi and a species of algae.
scleraA tough, white outer layer of connective tissue that forms the globe of the vertebrate eye.
synaptic knobThe relay point at the tip of a transmitting neuron's axon, where signals are sent to another neuron or to an effector.
genusthe level of biological classification above a species and below a family.
genomicsThe study of large numbers of genes, or genomes
senescenceSee aging.
biologyThe scientific study of life.
okazaki fragmentsthe fragments of a DNA strand that are not bonded with each other.
endonucleaseA nuclease that cleaves nucleic acids at specific internal sites.
vaccinia virusVirus is closely related to the virus that causes cowpox
hardpanImpervious layer found within the soil
placental transfer cellA plant cell that enhances the transfer of nutrients from parent to embryo.
helical flowMovement of water within a stream that occurs as spiral flows.
stationary frontA transition zone in the atmosphere where there is little movement of opposing air masses and winds blow towards the front from opposite directions.
adrenal glandOne of two endocrine glands located adjacent to the kidneys in mammals
phA trial which could lead to registration of the investigated drug
filtrateFluid extracted by the excretory system from the blood or body cavity
barrier methodContraception that relies on a physical barrier to block the passage of sperm
solid supportAn insoluble material to which reagents may be attached so that they may be readily separated from reaction by-products and solvents by filtration.
dilution quenchingThe reduction of the luminescence of a sample by dilution.
biogeographical modelA type of ecosystem model used to determine how populations in a particular region change over long time scales.
syntaxThe rules that determine how words combine to make phrases and sentences.
unescoUnited National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
isogenicTwo strains that are genetically identical except for a single mutation.
blizzardWinter severe weather condition characterized by strong wind, blowing snow, and cold temperatures.
histosolsPoorly drained soils in swamps and bogs that contain more than 20% organic matter.
carbon allocationSee carbon partitioning.
thrombusA blood clot.
basal cell carcinomaA non-metastatic cancer derived from the basal cells of the epithelium.
hypoplasticReduction in plant growth or development (dwarfing, stunting) resulting from an abnormal condition associated with a disease or nutritional stress.
haustorium pl. haustoriaIn parasitic fungi, a nutrient-absorbing hyphal tip that penetrates the tissues of the host but remains outside the host cell membranes.
gram-positiveRetaining the stain or resisting decolorizing by alcohol in Gram's method of staining, a primary characteristic of certain microorganisms.
macroscopicA term that describes characteristics large enough to be perceived without magnification; in forensic hair examination, this typically applies to unmounted hairs.
massRefers to the amount of material found in an object (usually of unit volume).
hadley cellThree-dimensional atmospheric circulation cell located at roughly 0 to 30° North and South of the equator
tundraA biome at the extreme limits of plant growth; at the northernmost limits, it is called arctic tundra, and at high altitudes, where plant forms are limited to low shrubby or matlike vegetation, it is called alpine tundra.
nitriteNIGHT-rite/ Any salt or ester of nitrous acid.
exotic streamA stream that has a course that begins in a humid climate and end in an arid climate
probabilitythe long term frequency of an event relative to all alternative events, and usually expressed as decimal fraction.
mucous membraneSmooth moist epithelium that lines the digestive tract and air tubes leading to the lungs.
northeast trade windsSee trade winds.
speciationThe development of new species as a result of evolutionary processes.
scienceScience is a way of acquiring knowledge
exocrineA gland that utilizes a duct for the secretion of molecules.
continuous cultureThe culture of microorganisms in liquid medium under controlled conditions, with regular additions of depleted nutrients and removal of excreted metabolites from the medium over a lengthy period of time.
disturbanceAny abrupt event that drastically changes ecosystem characteristics such as population diversity, behavior, or climate response.
fibrinThe activated form of the blood-clotting protein fibrinogen, which aggregates into threads that form the fabric of the clot
gene transfer techniquesAny one of a number of methods of transferring genes from one organism (species) to another (usually different species)
annotationAnalysis and commentary added to sequence data in databases
a prioriDeduced from first principles; without prior knowledge.
phenotypeObservable characteristics resulting from interaction between an organism's genetic makeup and the environment.
hardy-weinberg equilibriumThe steady-state relationship between relative frequencies of two or more alleles in an idealized population; both the allele frequencies and the genotype frequencies will remain constant from generation to generation in a population breeding at random in the absence of evolutionary forces.
connective tissuesAnimal tissue that functions mainly to bind and support other tissues, having a sparse population of cells scattered through an extracellular matrix.
vectorVecteur d'expression : Vecteur possédant une région permettant l'insertion d'une séquence codante d'un gène entre les signaux indispensables à son expression
oncogenicTending to cause cancerous tumors.
solar altitudeHeight of the Sun above the horizon from either True North or True South.
vital capacityThe maximum volume of air that a respiratory system can inhale and exhale.
metabotropicA receptor that mediates its effects by activating enzymes.
middle earOne of three main regions of the vertebrate ear; a chamber containing three small bones (the hammer, anvil, and stirrup) that convey vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window.
sequenatorDevice for determining the sequence of monomeric residues of a polymeric molecule.
outcrossingan inbreed crossed with a less related.
postsynaptic cellThe target cell at a synapse.
myxomaA virus that causes myxomatosis in rabbits
mutagenicityThe capacity of a chemical or physical agent to cause permanent genetic alterations
likelihoodGiven a hypothesis, the probability of observing certain data.
dna sequencingThe determination of DNA base sequence order.
nucleotideA subunit of DNA or RNA
afoAn ankle-foot orthotic
glacial lakeA natural impoundment of meltwater at the front of a glacier.
dissect/də-SECT or DIE-sect/ v
darwinian demonA hypothetical organism with indefinitely high survival and fertility
bioassayAn assay that uses a living system, such as an intact cell, as a component.
opsoninA serum protein that renders microorganisms and other foreign material more susceptible to phagocytosis.
carbohydrateA molecule with the formula (CH2O)n.
parasitismBiological interaction between species where a parasite species feeds on a host species.
interestA learner's attraction to a area of instruction
hormoneA substance formed in a specialized gland or group of cells that has regulatory effects on another gland or group of cells
direct-to-consumer genetic testingA type of genetic testing that is available directly to the consumer without having to go through a healthcare professional.
batholithA large mass of subsurface intrusive igneous rock that has its origins from mantle magma.
prevalenceFrequency of a phenotype in the population
pharmacokineticsThe study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs.
zosterophyllA type of early vascular plant that carried spores laterally along the stem.
continental shelf breakBoundary zone between the continental shelf and slope.
gene transferIncorporation of new DNA into and organism's cells, usually by a vector such as a modified virus
angstromA unit of length equal to 10-10 m.
energyThe capacity to do work (to move matter against an opposing force).
calicheAn accumulation of calcium carbonate at or near the soil surface.
evaporationThe removal of heat energy from the surface of a liquid that is losing some of its molecules
stylePart of the pistil arising from the ovary , and through which the pollen tube passes.
chemoreceptorA receptor that transmits information about the total solute concentration in a solution or about individual kinds of molecules.
sedimentparticulate organic and inorganic matter that accumulates in loose form on the sea floor.
metabolismThe sum total of the enzyme-catalyzed reactions that occur in a living organism.
eustachian tubeThe tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx
planktonican organism that spends part or all of its life cycle in the plankton
boundariesThe perimeter or border surrounding potential physical evidence related to the crime.
aavA viral vector
isomorphicReferring to alternating generations in plants and certain algae in which the sporophytes and gametophytes look alike, although they differ in chromosome number.
consistency indexA measure of how well the character states for a specific character trait map on a phylogenetic tree
gameteA haploid reproductive cell — an egg cell in the female or sperm in the male.
energy chargeThe fractional degree to which the AMP-ADP-ATP system is filled with high-energy phosphates (phosphoryl groups).
productive bindingThe binding of a substrate to the active site of an enzyme in a reactive manner.
morphometryThe measurement of shape
cell-cycle control systemA cyclically operating set of proteins that triggers and coordinates events in the eukaryotic cell cycle.
geographic variationDifferences between the gene pools of separate populations or population subgroups.
cotyledonOne of the first leaves of the embryo of a seed plant; seed leaf.
chromosomeA microscopic, rod-like structure in the cell's nucleus that carries genetic material.
dissection/die-SEX-shən, də-/ n
neurotransmitterA chemical that is released from one neuron and attaches to an adjacent neuron
conditional lethal mutantA mutant that can grow under one set (permissive) of environmental conditions but dies under different (restrictive or nonpermissive) conditions.
glacial retreatThe backwards movement of the snout of a glacier.
placental mammalA member of a group of mammals, including humans, whose young complete their embryonic development in the uterus, joined to the mother by a placenta
microinjectionThe injection of DNA using a very thin needle into a cell.
dendritic cellsWhite blood cells found in the spleen and other lymphoid organs
payoffIn an evolutionary context, the increase in fitness due to a contest.
secondary bacterial infectionan infection that occurs as a consequence of, or subsequent to, another infection
evaporative coolingThe property of a liquid whereby the surface becomes cooler during evaporation, owing to a loss of highly kinetic molecules to the gaseous state.
synapseThe junction between a neuron and another cell, across which information is carried by neurotransmitters.
telomereA cap structure at the ends of chromosomes consisting of short repeated sequences with strand asymmetry in GC content, resulting in one G-rich strand and one C-rich strand.
reflectionProcess of returning sound or light waves back to their source.
optimal foraging theoryThe basis for analyzing behavior as a compromise of feeding costs versus feeding benefits.
biological magnificationA trophic process in which retained substances become more concentrated with each link in the food
foreshockSmall earth tremors that occur seconds to weeks before a significant earthquake event.
cold frontA transition zone in the atmosphere where an advancing cold air mass displaces a warm air mass.
shear stressStress caused by forces operating parallel to each other but in opposite directions.
ribosomeProtein-making factory of the cell
polar nucleiIn angiosperms, the two nuclei of the central cell of the female gametophyte; they fuse with a sperm nucleus to form the triploid (3n) endosperm nucleus.
nucleotide diversityThe chance that two randomly chosen copies of a nucleotide site will carry different bases
electrotaxisThe movement of organisms in response to an electric field.
protostomeMember of one of two large groups of bilaterian animals including ecdysozoans and lophotrochozoans (see deuterostome)
cuticle(1) A waxy covering on the surface of stems and leaves that acts as an adaptation to prevent desiccation in terrestrial plants
clinicClinical stage of drug development; tests on human patients
fungicideA substance or chemical that destroys or inhibits the growth of a fungus.
difference spectraPlots comparing the absorption spectra of a molecule or an assembly of molecules in different states, for example, those of mitochondria under oxidizing or reducing conditions.
law of the minimumThis biological law suggests that organisms are normally limited by only one single physical factor that is in shortest supply relative to demand.
cellular differentiationThe structural and functional divergence of cells as they become specialized during a multicellular organism's development; dependent on the control of gene expression.
prokaryoteMicroorganism lacking a membrane-bound nucleus to contain its chromosomes.
alleleIs one member of a pair or series of different forms of a gene.
aplasticIncomplete growth or development of a structure.
fiberA lignified cell type that reinforces the xylem of angiosperms and functions in mechanical support; a slender, tapered sclerenchyma cell that usually occurs in bundles.
humoral immune responseThe aspect of immunity that is mediated by secreted antibodies (as opposed to cell-mediated immunity which involves T lymphocytes) produced B cells.
septicemiaA morbid condition caused by the multiplication of microorganisms in the blood.
hydroxyquinolineA bicyclic aromatic compound, which when added to phenol turns the organic phase orange, making it easier to differentiate in the organic extraction
atomic force microscopyA form of scanning probe microscopy that provides atom-level information about molecules
miller cylindrical projectionMap projection that mathematically projects the Earth's surface onto a cylinder that is tangent at the equator
polar covalent bondA type of covalent bond between atoms that differ in electronegativity
probability of detectionLikelihood of observing the presence of a recessive allele in a individual by progeny testing
cortexGround tissue that is between the vascular tissue and dermal tissue in a root or dicot stem.
tetrahedronSilicon atom joined by four oxygen atoms (SiO4)
nanotechnologyA miniaturization technology based on the development of nanometer-scale machines to operate in molecular environments.
electron density mapA 3-D representation of the electron density of a molecular structure based on x-ray diffraction data
setaThe elongated stalk of a bryophyte sporophyte, such as in a moss.
admeProcedures for evaluating the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of pharmaceuticals.
supercoilingHigher-order twisting of DNA strands.
trophoblastsA few are embryoblasts and will form the inner cell mass.
cell cycleComplete sequence of steps which must be performed by a cell in order to replicate itself, as seen from mitotic event to mitotic event
carrierAn individual who possesses an unexpressed, recessive trait.
eukaryoten
immune systemthe cells, biological substances (such as antibodies), and cellular activities that work together to recognize foreign substances and provide resistance to disease.
polar covalent bondA covalent bond between atoms that differ in electronegativity
signal-transduction pathwayA mechanism linking a mechanical or chemical stimulus to a cellular response.
asciiAmerican Standard Code for Information Interchange
archaic humanA hominin that does not have the modern anatomy of Homo sapiens
homogeneity chi-squareChi-square test used to individually test several data sets for fit to an expected ratio or to determine whether different sets of data are homogeneous (give the same results) so that the data sets may be pooled.
substrate  The substance on which an enzyme acts
muscular dystrophyA group of hereditary diseases that cause progressive muscle wastage due to defects in the biochemistry of a muscle tissue
beta strandA protein region, from 5 to 10 residues in length, in an almost fully extended conformation.
tidal currentRegional scale ocean current that is created the tidal rise and fall of the ocean surface.
implantationThe process whereby a fertilized egg (embryo) is embedded in the lining of a woman's uterus.
tandem mass spectrometryAn advanced technique for mass newborn screening that tests blood from newborn babies for PKU along with a number of other inherited diseases
epistatic effectSum of effects due to combinations of alleles at different loci interacting to influence the trait of interest.
vesselA tube-like series of vessel elements with open ends
tracheaThe windpipe; that portion of the respiratory tube that has C-shaped cartilagenous rings and passes from the larynx to two bronchi.
nonpolarLacking in polarity; characterized by an even distribution of positive and negative charges.
phA measure of hydrogen ion concentration equal to -log [H+] and ranging in value from 0 to 14.
cytogeneticsThe study of the appearance, structure, and behavior of chromosomes.
biological speciesA population or group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed.
phenylalanine toleranceThe amount of phenylalanine that a patient can take in with food, without excess phenylalanine appearing in the blood.
hypertrophyAn increase in size (weight) and functional capacity of an organ or tissue, without an increase in the number of structural units upon which their functions depend
mechanismthe process by which something occurs.
synchronyUsed normally to denote that the donor and recipient of embryos are at the same state of the estrous cycle.
anabolic steroidsSynthetic chemical variants of the male sex hormone testosterone; they produce increased muscle mass but also suppress testosterone production, leading to shrinkage of the testes, growth of the breasts, and premature baldness; long-term use increases the risk of kidney and liver damage and of liver cancer.
meiofaunabenthic organisms between 0.06 and 0.5 mm
dispersionThe pattern of spacing among individuals within geographic population boundaries.
gene therapyTraduction : synthèse d'une protéine à partir d'une matrice d'ARN messager
respiratory mediumThe source of oxygen
human leukocyte antigensProtein in markers of self used in histocompatibility testing
luvisol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
larvaA free-living, sexually immature form in some animal life cycles that may differ from the adult in morphology, nutrition, and habitat.
controlled experimentAn experiment in which an experimental group is compared to a control group that varies only in the factor being tested.
probabilityThe chance of observing a particular future event; a simple ratio of the number of observed events divided by the total number of possible events.
cross-licensingagreement in which two or more firms with competing and similar technologies strike a deal to reduce the need for legal actions to clarify who is to profit from applications of the technology.
inbreedingMating between closely related individuals
sustainable developmentAn approach to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
chemotaxisA behavorial response of cells resulting in movement toward or away from to a chemical stimulus.
defective interfering virusA virus that has lost some function and that depends on coinfection with intact virus for transmission.
paternoster lakesA linear series of mountain valley lakes that are formed from glacial erosion
wetlandNatural land-use type that is covered by salt water or fresh water for some time period
bayesian probabilitySystem of probability based on beliefs in which the measure of probability is continuously revised as available information changes.
genotype frequencyThe frequency of a particular genotype in the population.
cooperativityA phenomenon by which the binding of a ligand to one site of a receptor or enzyme alters the affinities of the other sites.
antisenseComplementary in sequence to an RNA molecule.
in silicoBiological discovery using a computer.
pharmacogeneticsStudy of the DNA sequence variation as it relates to differential drug response.
nimbostratus cloudsDark, gray low altitude cloud that produces continuous precipitation in the form of rain or snow
first-in-man studyPhase I trial primarily concerned with establishing the safety of a compound.
tetradFour haploid cells that are the result of a single meiotic cycle.
ribosomal rnaThe highly conserved RNA molecules that are found within ribosomes
phosphorus  [Symbol P; atomic number = 15; atomic mass = 30.974.]   A critical element in many biological processes.  Phosphorus usually occurs in biological molecules in combination with oxygen in the form of phosphate.
landfallThe coastline location where a tropical storm or hurricane moves from ocean onto land.
intratumoralInside a tumor.
ocean floorFlat plain found at the bottom of the ocean
spasmonemeA contractile element in the stalk of some peritrich ciliates.
mesaA flat topped hill that rises sharply above the surrounding landscape
gram stainA staining method that distinguishes between two different kinds of bacterial cell walls.
backwashThe return water flow of swash
organelles(which also have membranes) in 'higher' eukaryote organisms:
-centric  A combining form meaning center
phase i clinical trialThe initial set of drug studies in humans, which are generally designed to evaluate the safety of a new drug in a small number of patients or normal volunteers.
neighbor joiningA recursive distance-based phylogenetic reconstruction algorithm that takes as its input a distance matrix and produces an unrooted phylogenetic tree.
electron shellAn energy level at which an electron orbits the nucleus of an atom.
breeding valueValue of an individual in a breeding program
latent printA print impression that is not readily visible, made by contact with a surface.
leukaemiaAn increase in the number of ineffective and immature white blood cells causing a weakened immune system which leaves the body susceptible to infection.
fidelityThe degree to which output reflects input
genetic counsellingThe counselling of individuals and prospective parents who are at risk of a particular genetic disease, either themselves or their potential child
stockThe plant that provides the root system when making a graft.
hanging valleyA secondary valley that enters a main valley at an elevation well above the main valley's floor
medline uidThe "Medline" tag that appears within the listed information for a paper contains the Medline unique identifying number (UID) for the paper; the first 2 numbers usually (but not always) indicate the year of publication.
refractory periodThe short time immediately after an action potential in which the neuron cannot respond to another stimulus, owing to an increase in potassium permeability.
camp phosphodiesteraseAn enzyme that degrades cyclic AMP.
ethicsThe science or discipline involving the principles of right versus wrong
frictional forceForce acting on wind near the Earth's surface due to frictional roughness
hypogammaglobulinemiaAbno rmally low levels of immunoglobulins.
confidence intervalEstimated range of values (calculated from a given set of sample data) that is likely to include an unknown population parameter.
redox potentialThe relative tendency of a pair of molecules to release or accept an electron
scarificationExtensive movements of soil, sediment, and rock material caused by humans.
intramolecularWithin the same molecule
urethraA tube that releases urine from the body near the vagina in females and through the penis in males; also serves in males as the exit tube for the reproductive system.
movement corridorA series of small clumps or a narrow strip of quality habitat (usable by organisms) that connects otherwise isolated patches of quality habitat.
coevolutionThe mutual evolutionary influence between two different species interacting with each other and reciprocally influencing each other's adaptations.
cochleaSmall snail shaped organ in the inner ear that transmits sound signals via tiny hairs to the auditory nerve.
nitrogengas in the atmosphere that is a component of proteins.
evidenceSomething that can help identify the responsible persons, establish an element of crime, reconstruct crime events or link crimes.
mild hyperphenylalaninemiaMild hyperphenylalaninemia refers to small elevations in the blood phenylalanine level that are considered insufficiently severe for a diagnosis of PKU and application of the phenylalanine-restricted diet.
hydrationA form of chemical weathering that involves the rigid attachment of H+ and OH- ions to the atoms and molecules of a mineral.
ecologyIt is the branch of biology dealing with the relationships of organism with their environment and with each other.
processingMésappariement : Non-appariement d'une zone à l'intérieur d'un fragment d'acide nucléique double brin
homophilic interactionAn interaction between cell adhesion molecules of the same type.
inverted repeatsIdentical copies of a sequence of double-stranded DNA repeated in inverse order.
anucleateLacking a nucleus.
geographic cycleTheory developed by William Morris Davis that models the formation of river-eroded landscapes
sucroseCane sugar; a common disaccharide found in many plants; a molecule of glucose linked to a molecule of fructose.
mendel's first lawSee law of segregation.
polyandrousDescribes females that mate with many males.
virusan infectious parasite.
thermal lowArea of low pressure in the atmosphere caused by the area having cooler temperatures relative to the air around it.
serologyThe detection, identification, and typing of body tissues, either in native form or as stains or residues left at a crime scene.
renal pelvisFunnel-shaped chamber that receives processed filtrate from the vertebrate kidney's collecting ducts and is drained by the ureter.
fdrThe False Discovery Rate (FDR) is a multiple-hypothesis testing error measure indicating the expected proportion of false positives among the set of significant results
active siteThe region of an enzyme that binds substrates and catalyzes an enzymatic reaction.
linking numberThe net number of times one polynucleotide chain crosses over another polynucleotide chain
neurotransmitterA chemical messenger released from the synaptic terminal of a neuron at a chemical synapse that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to and stimulates the postsynaptic cell.
cliaClinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments are regulations created in 1988 by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ensure quality laboratory testing on humans.
seminiferous tubulesTubules in the testis where the spermatozoa are formed.
active siteregion on an enzyme that can bind with a specific substrate or substrates.
surface waveType of seismic wave that travels across the Earth's surface
adenovirus DNA containing virus that causes infections of the upper respiratory tract producing symptoms similar to those of the common cold.
proteinsComplex, organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen
apical ectodermal ridgeA limb-bud organizer region consisting of a thickened area of ectoderm at the tip of a limb bud.
operant conditioningA type of associative learning that directly affects behavior in a natural context; also called trial-and-error learning.
heterosisIncreased vigor or performance observed in the heterozygous progeny that result from matings of homozygous or purebreeding parental lines
inorganic molecule  Any molecule that does not include carbon in its composition.
explosive eruptionVolcanic eruption where high-viscosity granite-rich magma causes an explosion of ash and pyroclastic material
neuro-developmentalThe process of development of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system.
cytoplasmliquid in the cell that holds all of the parts of the cell.
ria coastAn extensively carved out coast with conspicuous headlands and deep re-entrants.
electrophoresisThe process whereby an electric charge is used to separate molecules in a solution or gel according to electrical charge and size
ozoneTri-atomic oxygen that exists in the Earth's atmosphere as a gas
totipotentCells capable of forming a completely new embryo that can develop into a new organism
plasticityThe ability to be flexible
cladisticsA method of classification that is based on the order of branching in a phylogenetic tree rather than on phenotypic similarity.
triploblasticPossessing three germ layers: the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm
phylogenetic treeA branching diagram that represents a hypothesis about evolutionary relationships.
antigensAntibodies are involved in the rejection of mismatched blood transfusions and organ transplants.  They are also responsible for recognizing and eliminating bacteria and viruses.  Antibodies provide a major defense for our bodies against invasion by alien organisms.
gynodioeciousA population that contains both females and hermaphrodites.
spermatogenesisThe continuous and prolific production of mature sperm cells in the testis.
aerialPertaining to the air - as opposed to the land (terrestrial) or the water (aquatic).
adoralRelating to position: toward the mouth (cf
steroidIt is made in and secreted by the interstitial cells of the testes into the blood circulation
heterologousConsisting of different elements.
denaturationIn proteins, a process in which a protein unravels and loses its native conformation, thereby becoming biologically inactive
mast cellA granule-containing cell found in tissue
differentiationThe acquisition of specialized structural and functional features by unspecialized cells.
covalentlyExamples are gasoline, methane, and butane
degradationReadjustment of the stream profile where the stream channel is lowered by the erosion of the stream bed
cross reacting materialSee CRM.
functional group  Two or more covalently-linked atoms that often occur together and that confer a particular chemical property to the molecule of which they are a part.  Examples of functional groups include carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, and amino groups.
blastBasic Local Alignment Search Tool
hybridSomething of mixed origin or composition
monogamousA type of relationship in which one male mates with just one female.
institutional review boardan independent committee of scientists, physicians, and lay people that oversees clinical trials.
trisomy 21  See Down syndrome.
flow cytometerAn instrument that measures the fluoresence intensity of individual cells.
chemogenomicsThe integration of genomic, biological activity, and drug molecule data with pharmacology and toxicology information.
histamineA substance released by mast cells that causes blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable during an inflammatory response.
polygenetic landformLandform that shows the influence of two or more major geomorphic processes
geographic rangeSpatial distribution of a species
astrocyteA glial cell that provides structural and metabolic support for neurons.
eustacyVariations in sea-level that are related to changes in the volume of seawater in the oceans.
enantiomerOne of two molecules that are mirror images of each other.
gibberellinsA class of related plant hormones that stimulate growth in the stem and leaves, trigger the germination of seeds and breaking of bud dormancy, and stimulate fruit development with auxin.
climographA plot of the temperature and precipitation in a particular region
human immunodeficiency virusThe retrovirus that causes AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
archaeOne of the three domains of living organisms: Archae, Bacteria, and Eukarya
anisogamyDifferentiation of gametes into two (or more) sizes.
tributaryA smaller branching stream channel that flows into a main stream channel
nucleosideA chemical structure where a nitrogenous base is attaches to a sugar
translocations  Other, more complex rearrangements are also observed.
earth rotationRefers to the spinning of the Earth on its polar axis.
movementA term used in geography that deals with the migration, transport, communication, and interaction of natural and human-made phenomena across the spatial dimension.
controlA standard of comparison by which experimental results are evaluated
biometricsThe statistical study of biological events.
hardening offAdapting plants to outdoor conditions by gradually withholding water, lowering the temperature, increasing light intensity, or reducing the nutrient supply
convection currentThe movement of a gas or a fluid in chaotic vertical mass motions because of heating.
solar windMass of ionized gas emitted to space by the Sun
crypticA function that is silent
adipose tissueA connective tissue that insulates the body and serves as a fuel reserve; contains fat -storing cells called adipose cells.
chancethe characteristic of lacking any discernible pattern or direction, with more than one outcome being possible in a given set of circumstances.
asymptomaticWithout overt symptoms.
insulinA small protein hormone that regulates glucose levels in the body
coniferA gymnosperm whose reproductive structure is the cone
metazoaMulticellular animals with a nervous system and tissues.
bystander effectSecondary effects on adjacent cells and tissues triggered by treatment of a primary target with a therapeutic agent.
third tier antibioticsthose very important to humans and animals (e.g
family medical historyInformation about the medical conditions that affect your family members
wilting pointThe point at which the rate of water leaving a plant's leaves is greater than the water uptake by the roots
inbred lineA population produced by continued self-fertilization or mating between close relatives
microorganismExtremely small organism that can only be seen using a microscope.
in situIn its original or natural place or position
hyphaeBranching, threadlike filamentous cells of a fungus.
migrationThe movement of a cell over a surface.
developmentIn mammals, the term is applied to the inner cell mass through the point at which all major structures are present (the end of the seventh week in humans)
tissueAn integrated group of cells with a common function, structure, or both.
backcross  A cross between the F1 generation and the presumptive homozygous recessive parental stock
random walksA sequence of random changes; the total change is the sum of all the random steps.
mean solar dayTime it takes to complete one Earth rotation relative to the position of the Sun (for example, from midnight to midnight)
haploid numberThis is the number of chromosomes in the sex cells (sperm or egg)
myosinThe main protein of the thick filaments in a muscle myofibril
uv light sourceUse of an ultraviolet light source to enhance or visualize potential items of evidence (fluids, fingerprints, clothing fibers, etc.)
radicleThe young root as it emerges from the seed, normally the first organ to appear on germination.
familialA characteristic or condition that tends to run in families.
pangaeaPangaea is the name given to the lands of the earth at the time when they came together to form one continent millions of years ago
endotoxinA toxic component of the outer membrane of certain gram-negative bacteria that is released only when the bacteria die.
new chemical entityA compound capable of being patented.
phase ii/iii clinical trialsA clinical trial of which, while run as a Phase II, the results can be used to seek marketing regulatory approval because of a combination of factors including the conclusiveness of the results and an obvious need to make the drug available to patients as soon as possible.
nasitisnay-ZĪT-əs/ Inflammation of the nose.
autoimmune responseThe response of the immune system to normal tissues, cells, or molecules within the body.
cot curveA curve that indicates the rate of DNA-DNA annealing as a function of DNA concentration and time.
guttationThe exudation of water droplets, caused by root pressure in certain plants.
anti-oncogeneA tumor suppressor gene.
carrierAn individual who carries one copy of a recessive gene for a hereditary condition.
hela cellsa line of immortal cells grown in culture which were derived from a uterine tumour removed from a woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951
expression vectorA vector that allows a DNA sequence cloned into it to be transcribed when the vector is introduced into a cell.
prototrophA microorganism that is able to grow on minimal medium containing only a carbon source and inorganic salts.
chaotropicProperty of certain substances to disrupt the structure of water
exogenicRefers to a system that is external to the Earth.
quenchingThe reduction of luminescence of a sample by the addition of a quencher.
genome-wide association scanA method of large-scale genome analysis used to identify genes responsible for inherited diseases.
catenationThe linking of molecules without any direct covalent bonding between them, as when two circular DNA molecules interlock like the links in a chain.
neogene periodThe second of the two periods of the Cenozoic Era; it lasted from 33.9 to the present.
sheetingA form of physical weathering of rock where surface sheets of material fracture and exfoliate because of pressure release
automatic selectionThe increase in frequency of an allele that increases the rate of selfing
oceanographyThe scientific study of phenomena found in the world's oceans.
oligonucleotideA polymer consisting of a small number (about two to ten) of nucleotides.
glomeromyceteMember of the fungal phylum Glomeromycota, characterized by forming a distinct branching form of endomycorrhizae (symbiotic relationships with plant roots) called arbuscular mycorrhizae.
zoo blotA Northern blot of mRNA from multiple organisms.
central cellThe female gametophytic cell that develops as the endosperm after fertilization
extrusive igneous rockIgneous rock that forms on the surface of the Earth
germ cellsThe cells, belonging to the germline, that give rise (through mitosis and meiosis) to the gametes that combine in sexual reproduction.
natalNAY-təl/ Pertaining to birth.
stream dischargeA river or stream's rate of flow over a particular period of time
vaccineany preparation of killed microorganisms or living weakened organisms introduced into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease by causing the formation of antibodies.
chromatA DNA sequencer output data file consisting of fluorescent traces for each base and the DNA sequence.
cri-du-chat syndrome  [French cri-du-chat cry of the cat.]  A syndrome that results from deletion of the distal part of the short arm of chromosome 5
myceliumMass of hyphae that make up the body of a fungus.
proteinwhich indicates that a specific gene is not merely present but active.
social evolutionThe study of the evolutionary consequences of interactions between individuals.
artificial selectionthe process by which humans deliberately choose to breed only those organisms in a population that have desirable traits.
varianceMeasure of the degree of dispersion associated with a characteristic
enzymeA protein that catalyzes a biochemical reaction
markerTwo typical usages:
component of varianceSee variance component.
vaccineAn immunity booster to a specified disease.
embryoThe young conceptus following fertilization during cleavage until organs start to form
oncogeneA gene capable of inducing one or more characteristics of cancer cells.
topsoilA mixture of particles derived from rock, living organisms, and humus.
endocrine systemThe internal system of chemical communication involving hormones, the ductless glands that secrete hormones, and the molecular receptors on or in target cells that respond to hormones; functions in concert with the nervous system to effect internal regulation and maintain homeostasis.
plaqueA circular clearing on a lawn (continuous layer) of bacterial or culture cells, resulting from cell Iysis and production of phage or animal virus progeny.
fluorophorA fluorescent molecule or group.
pesticideA chemical that kills pests.
ectodermThe outer layer of cells in embryonic development; gives rise to the skin, brain, and
primary successionSuccession on soil or sediments that do not contain an active seed bank.
reproductive isolationThe existence of biological factors (barriers) that impede members of two species from producing viable, fertile hybrids.
recessiveAn allele that is masked by a dominant allele.
feralWild, savage, or deadly.
nonhomologous gene displacementA lateral gene transfer event in which a gene that carries out a particular function is replaced by a nonhomologous gene that carries out a similar function.
glycoconjugateA complex carbohydrate attached to a lipid, peptide, or protein.
anomersThe sugar isomers that differ in configuration about the carbonyl carbon atom
mendel's second lawSee law of independent assortment.
rflpRestriction fragment length polymorphism; the acronym is pronounced "riflip"
biomimeticsThe development of synthetic systems based on information from biological systems.
solonetzic soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
standard neutral modelThe simplest version of the neutral theory, in which mutation and random genetic drift act in a single panmictic population of constant size.
inceptisolsVariable soils with horizon development in early stages.
patentA legal document, protecting the inventor/discoverer of a new process which is deemed to be 'novel, inventive and innovative' from having her/his work copied and sold by others for a profit.
drainage basinLand surface region drained by a length of stream channel.
leaf primordiaFingerlike projections along the flanks of a shoot apical meristem, from which leaves arise.
syngameonA botanical term, referring to a cluster of taxa that are morphologically distinct and yet exchange genes.
nitric acidAcid with the chemical formula: HNO3.
gulf streamWarm ocean current that originates in and around the Caribbean and flows across the North Atlantic to northwest Europe.
seedAn adaptation for terrestrial plants consisting of an embryo packaged along with a store of food within a resistant coat.
replicationProcess by which something is duplicated by following a template.
autotrophicOrganisms which trap energy from physical or chemical sources and use the energy to assemble the macromolecules of which they are made
gaussian distributionSee normal distribution.
drumlinA hill shaped deposit of till
regenerative medicineNew medical advances in which damaged body parts or body tissue is replaced or the body is encouraged to heal itself
fibrous root systemA root system common to monocots consisting of a mat of thin roots spreading out below the soil surface
epigeneticsLiterally, that which is "added to" genetics
blind testingIn a blind test, analysts do not know they are being tested
biosciBIOSCI is a set of internet newsgroups and e-mail lists for biologists
soil porosityThe volume of water that can be held in a soil
fungicideA substance or chemical that kills fungi.
slip-faceThe lee side of a dune where material accumulates and slides or rolls downslope.
cerebrumThe dorsal portion of the vertebrate forebrain, composed of right and left hemispheres; the integrating center for memory, learning, emotions, and other highly complex functions of the central nervous system.
pasteurizationheating process in food that prevents bacterial contamination.
graft-versus-host responseA reaction that occurs when lymphocytes of a different MHC class are introduced into a host, resulting in the reaction of the lymphocytes against the host.
mutationsChanges in the genetic material of an organism
fluidSubstance, gas or liquid, that has the property of flow.
ink-jet technologyA non-contact method for delivering biomolecules to substrate surfaces
sink habitatA habitat where mortality exceeds reproduction.
reproductive successthe ability of an organism to reproduce and pass on its genes to offspring.
nitrogenous baseA nitrogen-containing molecule having the chemical properties of a base
normal distributionThe bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of the sum of a large number of independent variables.
glutamateAn amino acid that functions as a CNS neurotransmitter.
chemical fingerprintingThe analysis of low molecular weight components of a cell by techniques, such as mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and HPLC.
thermoclineBoundary in a body of water where the greatest vertical change in temperature occurs
microdissectionDissection of organisms by mechanically controlled instruments monitored using a microscope.
obligate anaerobeAn organism that cannot use oxygen and is poisoned by it.
cam plantA plant that uses crassulacean acid metabolism, an adaptation for photosynthesis in arid conditions, first discovered in the family Crassulaceae
nearly isogenic lineA line produced by continued crossing of one line back to another, combined with selection
ribozymeAn RNA with catalytic activity.
spontaneous generation  The idea that living organisms can arise from nonliving matter
confidence intervalThe range of parameter values that do not deviate significantly from a null hypothesis.
microbesmicroscopic organisms: bacteria, viruses, molds, fungus, yeast.
immune complexA complex of antibody molecules produced in response to infection or in autoimmune disease
tissue cultureA process involving the separation of cells from each other and their growth in a container of liquid nutrients
resolutionA measurement of how well the smallest details of an image can be discerned
myelomaA tumor caused by the proliferation of immunoglobulin-synthesizing cells
ancestorsAncestors are the people or animals in a family that were born before this generation
stem cellsCells from which all blood cells derive
nitrogen-fixing bacteriaMicroorganisms that restock nitrogenous minerals in the soil by converting nitrogen to ammonia.
translocationAberration caused by the change in location of a segment of a chromosome.
hydrogen  [Symbol H; atomic number = 1, atomic mass = 1.008.]  The smallest element.  There is one proton in the nucleus, and there are no neutrons in the common form (isotope), although forms with one or two neutrons exist.
sample stackingA method of stacking or condensing DNA or other samples to improve electrophoretic resolution.
syndromeA group of characteristics and/or symptoms that occur together in a recognizable pattern.
adaptive dynamicsA method for finding which phenotypes will invade a population; related to game theory
hydrophobicLiterally means "water hating"
osmosisThe diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
basicSubstance having a pH greater than 7.
buoyant densityThe density possessed by a molecule or particle when suspended in an aqueous salt or sugar solution.
phenotypesocial hierarchy
dnp2,4-dinitrophenol.
cytologyStudy of cells.
control systemA system that is intelligently controlled by the activities of humans
cooperativityAn interaction of the constituent subunits of a protein whereby a confonnational change in one subunit is transmitted to all the others.
enzymeA protein that catalyzes biochemical reactions
episomeA plasmid capable of integrating into the bacterial chromosome.
dysmorphologyAberrant physical development
computational biologyDevelopment and application of data-analysis and theoretical methods, mathematical modeling, and computational simulation techniques to the study of biological systems
homopolymeric tailingSee tailing.
evolutionary gameAn interaction between individuals in which the payoff depends on the strategy played by each of them.
epigenesis  The idea that embryonic development occurs by the production of complex structures from simple structures
ribosomal rnaAn integral structural component of the large and small ribosomal subunits
protistsingle-celled, eukaryotic organisms
seed plantAny member of the land plant group Spermophyta
nigricansNIG-rə-kanz/ In taxonomic names: black, blackened.
detritus/deh-TRITE-əs/ n
plaqueA clear area in a lawn of bacterial cells caused by the lysis of infected cells by a phage.
sarkosylAlso known as sodium lauroylsarcosine
genetic determinismDeterminism is the doctrine that all acts, choices and events are the inevitable consequence of antecedent sufficient causes
dna transposonA transposable element that moves via a DNA intermediate.
zygomyceteMember of the fungal phylum Zygomycota, characterized by forming a sturdy structure called a zygosporangium during sexual reproduction.
ionosphereA region in the atmosphere above 50 kilometers from the surface where relatively large concentrations of ions and free electrons exist
microbiologythe study of microbes.
hypersensitive responseA plant's localized defense response to a pathogen.
frequencyProportion of observations occurring for an event.
spandrelsTriangular spaces formed where two arches intersect
polar zipperA protein structural motif consisting of interactions between polar residues on separate subunits or separate proteins.
generalist speciesSpecies that can survive and tolerate a broad range of environmental conditions.
cerebral cortexThe surface of the cerebrum; the largest and most complex part of the mammalian brain, containing sensory and motor nerve cell bodies of the cerebrum; the part of the vertebrate brain most changed through evolution.
graded streamA stream that has a long profile that is in equilibrium with the general slope of the landscape
maternal effectEffect on progeny performance associated with the maternal environment provided by the maternal parent.
nosographyno-SAW-grə-fee/ The medical description of disease.
t lymphocyteSee T cell.
combichemInformal term for combinatorial chemistry.
biologicsA classification of products derived from living sources, such as humans, animals, bacteria and viruses
ecosphereSee biosphere.
complete flowerA flower that has all four basic floral organs: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels.
positional homologyWhen a multiple sequence alignment is used for phylogenetic analysis, residues that are lined up in different sequences are considered to share a common ancestry (i.e., they are derived from a common ancestral residue).
cephalizationAn evolutionary trend toward the concentration of sensory equipment on the anterior end of the body.
learning stylesSpecific ways individuals learn involving visual, auditory, or motor skills.
gene chip technologyDevelopment of cDNA microarrays from a large number of genes
transcription-coupled repair(TCR)
black mudReduced muds found below the surface of sediments in lakes and rivers
lipofectionThe use of liposomes to transfect cells with DNA.
excretory systemThe organ system that disposes of nitrogen-containing metabolic wastes.
autotrophican organism that can meet its cellular energy requirements without eating other organisms
transcriptomeThe full complement of activated genes as represented by the set of mRNAs and transcripts, in a particular tissue at a particular time.
precession of the equinoxWobble in the Earth's polar axis
non-permissive conditionsGrowth conditions not allowing a conditionally lethal mutant to survive.
base pairUnit of DNA commonly used to measure the size of genomes
human genome initiativeCollective name for several projects begun in 1986 by DOE to create an ordered set of DNA segments from known chromosomal locations, develop new computational methods for analyzing genetic map and DNA sequence data, and develop new techniques and instruments for detecting and analyzing DNA
steppeRussian term for mid-latitude grasslands.
glazeCoating of ice that forms when rain falls on a surface with a temperature below freezing.
multiple alignmentAn alignment of multiple sequences that inserts gaps into the individual sequences in order to align conserved sequences in the same column.
ecotypeA subdivision of a species that survives as a distinct population through environmental selection and reproductive isolation.
polar groupA hydrophilic (water-loving) group.
partial pressureA measure of the concentration of one gas in a mixture of gases; the pressure exerted by a particular gas in a mixture of gases (for instance, the pressure exerted by oxygen in air).
ecological footprintA method of using multiple constraints to estimate the human carrying capacity of Earth by calculating the aggregate land and water area in various ecosystem categories appropriated by a nation to produce all the resources it consumes and to absorb all the waste it generates.
competitive advantagethe increased ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in comparison with other organisms competing for limited resources.
lesson planA road map for a learning activitiy that identifies objectives, materials, requirements, and the learning environment.
transductionViral transfer of DNA to new host.
aminoacyl siteOne of two sites in the large ribosomal subunit involved in protein translation
endocytosis  The transport of materials into a cell by their binding to receptors, which then form a concave "bubble" into the cell.  Since the transported materials do not have to pass through a plasma membrane, they can be of quite large size.  The process is facilitated by the presence of specific receptors in the plasma membrane that bind the substances to be transported.
phenolA chemical used in organic extraction
serial dilutiona technique in which a substance is diluted sequentially
sedgeAny member of the angiosperm family Cyperaceae
terminal fall velocityVelocity at which a particle being transported by wind or water falls out of the moving medium
phenotypic polymorphismThe existence of two or more distinct morphs (discrete forms), each represented in a population in high enough frequencies to be readily noticeable.
epochThe fourth largest division of the geologic time scale, subdivision of a period
heterozygosityThe presence of different alleles on homologous chromosomes.
cytotoxicRelating to substances that are toxic to cells.
net productivityIn a trophic level, a community, or an ecosystem, the amount of energy (in calories) stored in chemical compounds or the increase in biomass (in grams or metric tons) in a particular period of time; it is the difference between gross productivity and the energy used by the organisms in respiration.
granulocytesWhite blood cells filled with granules containing potent chemicals that allow the cells to digest microorganisms, or to produce inflammatory reactions
metabolismThe sum total of the chemical processes that take place in living organisms, resulting in growth, development, and all other forms of energy transformation.
heritabilityThe fraction of phenotypic variance that is inherited
thunderSound created when lightning causes the rapid expansion of atmospheric gases along its strike path.
alleleName for different forms of a gene
temperature inversionSituation where a layer of warmer air exists above the Earth's surface in a normal atmosphere where air temperature decreases with altitude
noscomial infectionsalso called hospital-acquired infection (HAI); an infection whose development is favoured by a hospital environment, i.e. one acquired by a patient during a hospital visit or one developing among hospital staff
occupational therapyA special education related service which is usually focused upon the development of a student’s fine motor skills and/or the identification of adapted ways of accomplishing activities of daily living when a student’s disabilities preclude doing those tasks in typical ways.
monsoonA regional scale wind system that predictably change direction with the passing of the seasons
placentaA structure in the pregnant uterus for nourishing a viviparous fetus with the mother's blood supply; formed from the uterine lining and embryonic membranes.
mitochondriathe part of a cell that turns food into energy for chemical reactions, movement, and growth.
okazaki fragmentA short segment of single-stranded DNA that is an intermediate in DNA synthesis
polarThe uneven distribution of postive and negative charges in small molecules, resulting in an electric dipole moment.
rational drug designThe design of a drug molecule based on knowledge of the pharmacologically relevant characteristics of the target protein structure, as obtained by x-ray crystallographic methods.
immunotherapyTreatment designed to produce immunity to a disease or enhance the resistance of the immune system to an active disease process, e.g
articulationThe coordination and integration of related training programs, courses, or related topics.
bedSedimentary structure that usually represents a layer of deposited sediment.
downstreamSee upstream/downstream.
plasma cellsAntibody secreting cells that develop from B-cells in response to the sequence of events occurring in the humoral immune system upon detection of certain types of antigens.
cell-mediated immune responseThe branch of acquired immunity that involves the activation of cytotoxic T cells, which defend against infected cells, cancer cells, and transplanted cells.
insolation weatheringForm of physical weathering
bacteriaSimple single celled prokaryotic organisms
biophotonicsBiological applications of photonics, a technology that utilizes light and other forms of radiant energy in which a quantum unit is the photon.
shine-dalgarno sequenceThe sequence prior to the initiation site that correctly aligns bacterial mRNAs on ribosomes.
invertebrateAnimal that does not have a backbone
limestoneA sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate, and often formed from the calcareous remains of organisms.
ames testA genetic test for the identification of carcinogens based upon their mutagenic activity initially developed by Bruce Ames
gap junctionA plasma membrane channel forming a direct cytoplasmic connection between adjacent cells.
melaninMelanin is a hormone that causes darkening of the skin, e.g
taste budsCollections of modified epithelial cells that are scattered in several areas of the tongue and mouth and are receptors for taste in humans.
cytokininA plant hormone produced in root tissue.
blunt-end ligationThe joining of DNA ends that have no overhang by a DNA ligase.
secondary responseThe immune response that follows the second exposure to a substance.
mutationa change of bases in the DNA strand that can cause a disease or abnormalty to the body.
isoantigenAn antigen that elicits an immune response in other individuals of the same species but not in the individual from which the antigen is derived.
zootypeA hypothetical pattern of gene expression shared across all animal phyla.
north poleSurface location defined by the intersection of the polar axis with Earth's surface in the Northern Hemisphere
golgi apparatusmulti-layered organelle near the nucleus used for packaging of materials to be transported out of the cell
heritabilityIn the narrow sense: 1
primary waveSee P-wave.
sand wedgeA form of ice wedge that contains accumulations of wind blown sand in long vertical layers
translational start codonSee initiation codon.
immigrantOne who moves into a new habitat.
tetrapodA vertebrate possessing two pairs of limbs, such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
sensory neuronA nerve cell that receives information from the internal and external environments and transmits the signals to the central nervous system.
vertisolsSeasonally dry soils with a high clay content that swell when moist and then crack when dry.
isoschizomersDifferent restriction enzymes that recognize the same sequence, but do not necessarily cut at the same site.
laharA very rapid type of downslope mass movement that involving mudflows from volcanic ash.
powerSee statistical power.
avogadro's numberThe number of molecules in a gram molecular weight of any compound (6.023 x 1023).
organellean organized structure within a cell, with a specific function.
speciationthe origin of a new species from an existing one.
adhesionThe attraction between different kinds of molecules.
polar moleculeA molecule (such as water) with opposite charges on opposite sides.
meioticRelating to meiosis.
transition processThe time when an individual with a genetic condition or special healthcare needs must change his or her system of care to reflect his or her age
nilSee nearly isogenic line.
inflammatory responseA localized innate immune defense triggered by physical injury or infection of tissue in which changes to nearby small blood vessels enhance the infiltration of white blood cells, antimicrobial proteins, and clotting elements that aid in tissue repair and destruction of invading pathogens; may also involve systemic effects such as fever and increased production of white blood cells.
dissociation constantTendency of a complex to dissociate
fitnessCapability of a genotype to survive and reproduce
coalescenceThe merging of two genetic lineages into a single common ancestor.
suppressor t cellsA subset of T cells that turn off antibody production and other immune responses.
theoryA set of interconnected hypotheses that leads to testable predictions.
electron donorSubstance that donates or gives up electrons in an oxidation-reduction reaction, becoming oxidized in the process.
immunogenicCapable of stimulating an immune response.
pilusA long, hairlike prokaryotic appendage that functions in adherence or in the transfer of DNA during conjugation.
upper mantleLayer of the Earth's interior extending from the base of the crust to 670 kilometers below the surface
steam fogSee evaporation fog.
bond  See chemical bond.
cloneA group of identical genes
gene expressionThe process by which a gene is transcribed into RNA and then translated into a protein.
electrophoresisThe movement of particles in an electrical field
normocytosisNORM-ə-sī-TŌ-səs/ The condition of the blood in which blood cell counts are normal.
montreal protocolTreaty signed in 1987 by 24 nations to cut the emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere
matchGenetic profiles are said to "match" when they have the same allele designations at every loci.
re-entrantsA prominent indentation in an escarpment, ridge or shoreline.
gradualismtheory that evolutionary change occurs slowly and gradually.
effusive eruptionVolcanic eruption where low-viscosity basaltic magma is released
frontal fogIs a type of fog that is associated with weather fronts, particularly warm fronts
osmotic pressureThe pressure generated by the mass flow of water to that side of a membrane-bounded structure that contains the higher concentration of solute molecules
cross-pollinationIn angiospenns, the transfer of pollen from an anther of a flower on one plant to the stigma of a flower on another plant of the same species.
repeat sequencesThe length of a nucleotide sequence that is repeated in a tandem cluster.
sheetwashThe removal of loose surface materials by overland flow
pharynxA region of the ingestion apparatus lying internal to the mouth (of a metazoan organism) or internal to the cytostome of a protist
mass balanceThe relative balance between the input and output of material within a system.
sarcopterygianSee lobe-finned fish
receptor tyrosine kinaseA receptor protein in the plasma membrane that responds to the binding of a signal molecule by catalyzing the transfer of phosphate groups from ATP to tyrosines on the cytoplasmic side of the receptor
cnidocyteA specialized cell for which the phylum Cnidaria is named; contains a capsule containing a fine coiled thread, which, when discharged, functions in defense and prey capture.
gymnospermAny non-angiosperm seed plant, such as a conifer, cycad, or ginkgo.
oligodendrocyteA type of glial cell that forms insulating myelin sheaths around the axons of neurons in the central nervous system.
flash sterilizationFlash sterilizers operate on the principle that a thin layer of medium moves rapidly through a heat exchanger maintained at a high (145-160°C) temperature
climateGeneral pattern of weather conditions for a region over a long period time (at least 30 years).
congenitalA condition that is present from birth.
flowerIn an angiosperm, a short stem with up to four sets of modified leaves, bearing structures that function in sexual reproduction
clone(1) A lineage of genetically identical individuals or cells
mantleLayer of the Earth's interior composed of mostly solid rock that extends from the base of crust to a depth of about 2,900 kilometers.
keystone speciesSpecies that interacts with a large number of other species in a community
b cellOne of the major types of cells in the immune system
realma major area of the Earth, with similar physical characteristics, comprised of numerous habitats
normal lapse rateAverage rate of air temperature change with altitude in the troposphere
x-rayAn energy beam of very short wavelengths (0.1 to 1000 Å) produced by the bombardment of various materials with high velocity electrons.
carcinogenA cancer-inducing agent.
eutrophic lakeA highly productive lake, having a high rate of biological productivity supported by a high rate of nutrient cycling.
erosionThe removal of weathered sediment or rocks by the forces of wind, water, and ice.
gradualismthe Darwinian view that since all species have descended from other species by the ordinary process of reproduction, evolution has occured in steps no larger than those that now distinguish parents and offspring.
hydrophobicwater-repellent.
contaminationThe undesirable transfer of material to physical evidence (DNA) from another source.
thalamusOne of two integrating centers of the vertebrate forebrain
phagea virus that infects bacteria.
eventOccurrence of whatever it is stated to be.
paleoclimateClimatic conditions in the geological past reconstructed from a direct or indirect data source.
special dietPatients with PKU must carefully control their intake of phenylalanine and require a special, phenylalanine-restricted diet to do so (see also Medical food).
genetic loadAverage number of lethal alleles per individual in a population.
dtdpThymidine diphosphate.
scaffoldIn genomic mapping, a series of contigs that are in the right order but not necessarily connected in one continuous stretch of sequence.
sporocyteA diploid cell, also known as a spore mother cell, that undergoes meiosis and generates haploid spores.
genetic driftUnpredictable fluctuations in allele frequencies from one generation to the next because of a population's finite size.
recessive lethalSee lethal.
intradermalInside dermis, or skin.
cell adhesion moleculeA transmembrane protein that mediates cell-cell interactions.
lambdaA temperate phage that infects E
lactic acidfermentation The conversion of pyruvate to lactate with no release of carbon dioxide.
psychrometric tableTable of values that allows for the determination of relative humidity and dew point from dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures recorded on a psychrometer.
ionic bond  A chemical bond that consists of the attraction between two ions of opposite charge.  Ions of the same charge, either positive or negative, repel each other.  Ionic bonds are not rigid and allow for frequent exchange of partners or simultaneous attraction to two other ions.  A parallel would be a dance hall filled with equal numbers of heterosexual males and females.  There may be frequent exchange of partners, but pairing would occur, at least for short periods.
congenitalA condition or characteristic that is present from birth.
nonsymbiotic mutualismMutualistic interaction where the mutualists live independent lives yet cannot survive without each other
blood sampleWhen blood is drawn from the human body in order to be tested for medical purposes.
spermatozoön  (Plural spermatozoa) A mature male germ cell
rna  See ribonucleic acid.
laser capture microdissectionA technique for isolating single cells from tissues
neurosporan(y)oor-AWSP-ur-ə/ Pink bread mold, an ascomycete fungus; used in many genetics and cell biology experiments.
fluorescence polarizationThe partial polarization of light emitted from fluorescent molecules.
nick translationA method which uses DNA polymerase I to first produce a nick in a DNA duplex, then degrade stretch of single-stranded DNA using its 5'-exonuclease while synthesizing a new strand in its place
testis  A male gonad; the primary male sex organ
mutagenssubstances which increase the likelihood of mutations.
two-dimensional electrophoresisA technique used for the separation of complex protein mixtures
continental shelfThe marginal area of continental crust, often covered by relatively shallow seas.
endogenousArising from internal structures or functional causes.
chemical bond  An attractive force between two atoms that holds them together.  There are several different kinds of bonds, depending on the nature of the force.  Examples are ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and hydrogen bonds.
occult virusA special phase of some viruses, characteristic of latent infections, in which the pathogenic agent is presumed to differ from the infective phase, and in which virions cannot be detected
soil scienceThe study of soils from an interdisciplinary perspective.
rich mediumA growth medium in which not all the components have been identified
speciesThe magnitude of the difference is not specified; hence, there can be quite varied opinions as to the existence of or number of races within a species.
meniscusThe curved top surface of a column of liquid.
subsidenceLowering or sinking of the Earth's surface.
cytoskeletonMicrotubules, actin and intermediate filaments
landscape ecologyThe study of past, present, and future patterns of landscape use, as well as ecosystem management and the biodiversity of interacting ecosystems.
formationA mappable body of rock that is identified by the characteristics of its rocks and its position relative to other formations
actinopterygiansee ray-finned fish
tdtSee transmission disequilibrium test.
micronA unit of measurement equal to 0.001 mm or approximately 1/25,000 of an inch.
loop of henleThe long hairpin turn, with a descending and ascending limb, of the renal tubule in the vertebrate kidney; functions in water and salt reabsorption.
tumorA growth consisting of differentiated cancer cells.
splitting evolutionSee Cladogenesis.
testesPrimary sex organs of the male, producing sperm cells and hormones, particularly testosterone.
traitA physical characteristic, such as red hair, that has a genetic component.
detritusFragments of dead plant and animal material before, during and after breakdown by agents of decay
lophotrochozoanMember of a major subdivision within the protostomes that includes the annelids, mollusks, bryozoans, brachiopods, and several additional small phyla.
saltatory conductionRapid transmission of a nerve impulse along an axon, resulting from the action potential jumping from one node of Ranvier to another, skipping the myelin-sheathed regions of membrane.
duplicationAlteration in which extra copies of a chromosome or chromosomal segment are found within the nuclear genome.
evolutionary psychologyA field that applies evolutionary principles to understand universal human traits
homologySimilarity in DNA or protein sequences between individuals of the same species or among different species.
katabatic windAny wind blowing down the slope of a mountain.
gene gunA device used for the high-velocity injection of DNA-coated particles directly into tissues, cells, or organelles.
pinocytosisA type of endocytosis in which the cell ingests extracellular fluid and its dissolved solutes.
assayTo subject (a drug) to an analysis for the determination of its potency or composition
intermediate disturbance hypothesisThe concept that moderate levels of disturbance can foster greater species diversity than low or high levels of disturbance.
weather mapMap that displays the condition of the physical state of the atmosphere and its circulation at a specific time over a region of the Earth.
controlling interestownership of more than 50 percent of a company's voting shares.
microsporocyteCells which undergoes meiosis to generate the meiotic products that become pollen grains.
ion  An electrically charged atom or molecule.  The charge arises from loss or gain of electrons in the outer electron shell of an atom.  In the case of loss of one or more electrons, which are negatively charged, the remaining atom becomes positively charged because of the positively charged protons in the nucleus.  In the case of gain of one or more electrons, the atom becomes negatively charged.  A positively charged atom or molecule is called a cation, and a negatively charged atom or molecule is an anion.
standard deviationA statistical measure of the dispersion of observation values in a data set
b formThe most common form of duplex DNA, containing a right-handed helix and about 10 (10.5 exactly) base pairs per turn of the helix axis.
speciationThe origin of new species in evolution.
strict aerobeAn organism that can survive only in an atmosphere of oxygen, which is used in aerobic respiration.
gel shift assayAlso known as gel retardation assay or gel mobility shift assay
temperate rain forestAn ecosystem that is dominated by large and very tall evergreen trees
polarityAs the embryo develops, cells differentiate to produce various parts
oligotrophic lakeLake with a low supply of nutrients in its waters
accuracyThe reliability of a procedure; freedom from making mistakes.
carbon  [Symbol C; atomic number = 6; atomic mass = 12.011.]  One of the common elements, especially important in biological systems.  Carbon can form stable covalent bonds with a number of elements, generating a vast number of different kinds of molecules.  Molecules that include carbon are described as organic molecules, reflecting an earlier and false notion that they could be made only in biological systems.
food chainMovement of energy through the trophic levels of organisms
aneuploidystate of having variant chromosome number (too many or too few)
sheet flowSee overland flow.
atomic mass  The mass of an atom of a particular element.  Often called atomic weight, though mass is the correct term.  One unit of atomic mass = 1.66 × 10–24 grams = 1 dalton.  This is approximately the mass of one proton or neutron.  Electrons have a much smaller mass and contribute little to the mass of an atom.
acidA substance that increases the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.
d-A configurational prefix that designates one of two chiral configurations (see L-).
local mate competitionCompetition for mates within a local group (e.g., between fig wasps within a single fig).
clitorisAn organ in the female that engorges with blood and becomes erect during sexual arousal.
landmarkA point of reference for orientation during navigation.
ectosymbioticOrganism living on the surface of another organism.
ureaA soluble nitrogenous waste excreted by mammals, most adult amphibians, sharks, and some marine bony fishes and turtles; produced in the liver by a metabolic cycle that combines ammonia with carbon dioxide.
proteinProteins have two main functions
contact metamorphismIs the small scale metamorphic alteration of rock due to localized heating
mhcSee major histocompatibility complex.
microtubuleCytoplasmic structure consisting of the protein tubulin and involved in cellular structure and movement.
noradrenalineA hormone, produced by the medulla of the adrenal gland, that increases the concentration of glucose in the blood, raises blood pressure and heartbeat rate, and increases muscular power and resistance to fatigue; also one of the principal neurotransmitters; also called norepinephrine.
rhizosphereNarrow zone of soil surrounding a plant root, typically inhabited by microbial community(ies) that interact with the root.
independent variableIn an experiment, when one factor is manipulated, a second factor responds
permeableThe property of allowing material to pass through, as a permeable membrane.
signal transductionRelaying a signal by conversion from one form to another
enzymeAn enzyme is usually a protein (although some exceptions are made from RNA) that can initiate, facilitate or speed up a reaction
down syndromeA human genetic disease caused by presence of an extra chromosome 2 I; characterized by mental retardation and heart and respiratory defects,
intrusive igneous rockA mass of igneous rock that forms when magma from the mantle migrates upward and cools and crystallizes near, but not at, the Earth's surface
steleThe vascular tissue of a stem or root
coleoptileThe covering of the young shoot of the embryo of a grass seed.
abo type  E.g
gray matterRegions of dendrites and clusters of neuron cell bodies within the CNS.
enzyme electrodeAn enzyme-linked electrode that senses a substrate or product of the reaction catalyzed by the enzyme.
nematodiasisNEEM-ə-tōd-Ī-ə-səs/ Infestation with nematodes.
biotechnologyThe use of living organisms (often microbes) in industrial processes.
chimeric dnaRecombinant DNA whose components originate from two or more different sources.
pollenMale gametophyte, which donates sperm nuclei for double fertilization in plants.
climatologyScientific study of the Earth's climate over long time spans (greater than several days)
luciferinAny bioluminescent substrate for luciferase.
capSee CRP.
celsius scaleA temperature scale (°C) equal to 5/9 (°F – 32) that measures the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point of water at 100°C.
diploidPossessing two sets of chromosomes — that is, possessing a pair of each type of chromosome, with one member of the pair inherited maternally and one inherited paternally
dicots(Dicotyledenous plants.) Dicots are plants that belong to the larger subclass of angiosperms that has two seed leaves (cotyledons) in the embryo (that is, all angiosperms that are not monocots).
centripetal forceForce required to keep an object moving in a circular pattern around a center of rotation
genome projectResearch and technology development effort aimed at mapping and sequencing some or all of the genome of human beings and other organisms.
heteropolymerA polymer containing more than one type of monomeric unit.
pistilFemale floral structure comprised of the ovary, style and stigma.
fixed action patternA highly stereotypical behavior that is innate and must be carried to completion once initiated.
bacteria  Studies of bacteriophage were important in early development of the field of molecular biology.
polypedonAn identifiable soil with distinct characteristics found in a location or region
stratalayers of rock, typically horizontal.
hypotoniaDecreased muscle tone
evolutionary character state reconstructionSee character state reconstruction.
deaeDiethylaminoethyl cellulose.
agammaglobulinemiaAn almost total lack of immunoglobulins, or antibodies.
membrane potentialThe charge difference between a cell's cytoplasm and the extracellular fluid, due to the differential distribution of ions
monogenicCharacteristic that is controlled by a single gene.
fluorescent proteinAn autofluorescent protein that is used as a reporter molecule, for example, green fluorescent protein (GFP).
substrateA molecule that is acted upon, and chemically changed, by an enzyme.
earthquake focusPoint of stress release in an earthquake.
catabolismThat part of metabolism that is concerned with degradation reactions.
fixed energyA process, like photosynthesis, where organisms repackage inorganic energy into organic energy.
evolutionary lineageSimplistically: A linear sequence of species running from an ancestor species to a descendent species via a series of speciation events
cytoplasmic male sterilityMale sterility systems controlled by the interaction of genes located in the cytoplasm (mitochondria) and the nucleus.
congenital hypothyroidismAn inherited trait that results in reduced activity of the thyroid gland, generally due to reduced production of thyroid stimulating hormone
fruitA mature ovary of a flower that protects dormant seeds and aids in their dispersal.
positive pressure breathingA breathing system in which air is forced into the lungs.
scrotumSkin and associated tissues surrounding the testes.
stemThe aboveground part of the axis of vascular plants, as well as anatomically similar portions below ground (such as rhizomes).
ncbiThe National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is part of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ap lyaseA nicking activity that is associated with some DNA glycosylases, which cuts the DNA strand on the 3'-side of an abasic site leaving a 5'-phosphate and a 3'-fragmented deoxyribose.
secondary productivityhe rate at which all the heterotrophs in an ecosystem incorporate organic material into new biomass, which can be equated to chemical energy.
ocean trenchDeep depression found at the edge of the ocean floor
tit-for-tatThe winning strategy in the repeated Prisoner’s Dilemma game.
nerve impulseA rapid, transient, self-propagating change in electric potential across the membrane of an axon.
passive remote sensingForm of remote sensing where the sensor passively captures electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted by an object.
cloningClonage en aveugle : Clonage de fragments d'ADN générés de manière aléatoire
lab-on-a-chipA microfabricated fluidics system designed to perform high-resolution biochemical analyses.
constitutiveProduced in a constant amount, not subject to regulation
spermThe male reproductive cell.
spin-offseparating a smaller unit from an established company, permitting each company to retain focus while shielding the parent from risk and granting the spin-off the administrative benefits of small size.
hemicelluloseAny of several polysaccharides (e.g., xylans, mannans, and galactans) that cross link and surround cellulose fibers in plant cell walls
pseudopodiumA cellular extension of amoeboid cells used in moving and feeding.
percolationVertical movement or infiltration of water from the Earth's surface to its subsurface
snare hypothesisA model for vesicular fusion.
heartwoodOlder layers of secondary xylem, closer to the center of a stem or root, that no longer transport xylem sap.
homozygoteThe allele frequencies are inversely proportional to the selection coefficients of the corresponding homozygotes.
replicatorAny entity that can replicate
transition state analogA molecule that mimics the transition state of an enzymatic reaction.
genetic drift"Random" genetic change that becomes established in a population despite having no particular adaptive value.
bh4A shortened name for tetrahydrobiopterin (the cofactor of phenylalanine hydroxylase) that is often used especially in medical research (see also sapropterin).
alternate light sourceEquipment that produces high intensity light at various wavelengths; used to enhance or visualize potential items of evidence (fluids, fingerprints, clothing fibers, etc.).
hepatitis c virusMember of a family of RNA viruses that infect liver cells and can lead to the development of liver cancer.
absorptionThe uptake of small nutrient molecules by an organism's own body; the third main stage of food processing, following digestion.
heavy isotopesForms of atoms that contain greater numbers of neutrons than the most common form (e.g., 15N, l3C).
migrationMovement of breeding individuals or their gametes from one population to another.
gene synthesisThe synthesis of an entire gene by hybridizing oligonucleotides, which are subsequently joined enzymatically.
acousticsthe study of sound and sound waves
small-molecule druga drug produced using defined chemical synthesis or extraction
synaptic vesicleMembranous sac containing neurotransmitter molecules at the tip of the presynaptic axon.
plesiadapiformesAn order of primate-like mammals common in the Paleocene
cosanguineRelated by a common ancestor.
ruminant mammalAny artiodactyl mammal of the order Ruminantia, including cattle, deer, and giraffes
bypass suppressorA second site mutation that activates a new pathway that eliminates the need for the original mutant pathway
granulocytesOne of three types of white blood cells
nucleus(1) An atom's central core, containing protons and neutrons
deciduous/də-SID-joo-əs/ adj
chorionThe chorion develops into the placenta
rainwashThe erosion of soil by overland flow
metal shadowingAn electron microscopic technique in which the surface of a specimen is coated with a thin layer of evaporated metal.
lymphocytesSmall white blood cells that plays a large role in defending the body against disease
multiple myelomaA malignancy of the plasma cells that affects multiple sites within the bone marrow and secretes all or part of a monoclonal antibody.
evolutionIs a process by which species come to possess genetic adaptations to their environment
organGroup of cells and tissues that have a particular function for an organism.
circle of illuminationA line that bisects areas on the Earth receiving sunlight and those areas in darkness
photosynthetic reaction centerThe bacterial photosynthetic complex that transduces light to ATP.
glacial milkTerm used to describe glacial meltwater which has a light colored or cloudy appearance because of clay-sized sediment held in suspension.
atp synthaseA membrane-spanning protein complex that couples the energetically favorable transport of protons across a membrane to the synthesis of ATP.
lymphocytesSmall white blood cells
facilitation model of successionThis model of succession suggests that the change in plant species dominance over time is caused by modifications in the abiotic environment that are imposed by the developing community
distributional limitSpatial boundary that defines the edge of a species geographical range.
atrophyA decrease in the size of an organ or tissue (wasting)
gene poolThe total aggregate of genes in a population at anyone time.
radiometerGeneral name for an instrument used to measure radiation over a specific wavelength range.
tetrad analysisA method for establishing linkage relationships in fungi by analysing the four products from individual meiotic divisions.
provirusA virus that is integrated into the host chromosome and does not cause lysis.
pluripotencyThe ability to differentiate into multiple cell types.
protein secondary structureThe interactions between amino acids within a protein chain to form an a helix and b sheet structure.
deposition/DEP-ə-ZISH-shən/ Accumulation by sedimentation, chemical precipitation, or evaporation of a suspending solute.
colloidA mixture made up of a liquid and pa ticles that (because of their large size) remain suspended in that liquid.
monoclonal antibodiesA collection of identical antibodies that interact with a single antigen site.
ionic bondA chemical bond resulting from the attraction between oppositely charged ions.
epiglottisA cartilaginous flap that blocks the top of the windpipe, the glottis, during swallowing, which prevents the entry of food or fluid into the respiratory system.
prepuceA fold of skin covering the head of the clitoris and penis.
continental ice sheetSee continental glacier.
chemiosmosisAn energycoupling mechanism that uses energy stored in the form of a hydrogen ion gradient across a membrane to drive cellular work, such as the synthesis of ATP Most ATP synthesis in cells occurs by chemiosmosis.
watson-crick rulesThe normal base pairing rules for DNA and RNA: A pairs with T or U, and G pairs with C.
cartographyField of knowledge that studies map construction
chitinA polymer of N-acetylglucosamine residues that is the principal component of fungal cell walls.
referenceWithin the dictyBase, a "reference" is most often a published article in a scientific journal or book; however some references are unpublished results, GenBank records, or personal communications to dictyBase
test tubeTube in which cells, tissues, etc., can be cultured.
hadeanGeologic eon that occurred from 3800 to 4600 million years ago
proceduralProcedural knowledge relates to how things work, or how a task is performed.
decubitus/də-KYOOB-ə-təs/ n
ethicsEthics is a branch of philosophy that deals with morality
conjugationIn prokaryotes, the direct transfer of DNA between two cells that are temporarily joined
transferaseEnzyme that catalyses the transfer of a group of atoms from one molecule to another.
tata-binding proteinA basal transcription factor that binds directly to the TATA box.
biotechnologyThe use of living organisms or their products to make or modify a substance
crenulatedA surface with a regularly indented margin.
hydroponicsThe growing of plants in aerated water containing all the essential mineral nutrients, with no soil
plasmodesmaA cytoplasmic connection between adjacent plant cells formed by a continuous region of the plasma membrane.
glycosidic bondThe bond between a sugar and an alcohol
zygoteThe diploid cell formed by union of two haploid gametes.
topoisomeraseAn enzyme that catalyzes the reversible breakage and rejoining of DNA strands.
sos boxThe operator sequence recognised by the LexA repressor protein.
behavioral ecologyA heuristic approach based on the expectation that Darwinian fitness (reproductive success) is improved by optimal behavior.
primary growthGrowth produced by apical meristems, lengthening stems and roots.
cockayne's syndrome(CS)
santa ana windA warm, dry chinook like wind that occurs in southern California
cloneA set of genetically identical individuals
anodeA positively charged electrode.
structureSee population structure.
hygrometerAn instrument for measuring atmospheric humidity.
thermometerDevice used to measure temperature.
environmental systemA system where life interacts with the various abiotic components found in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
southern blottingA method of transfer of bands of DNA, separated on a gel electrophoresis, onto a membrane, from which the bands may be treated with chemicals to enable them to be seen
brineSeawater with a salinity greater than 35 parts per thousand
cloneGenetically identical cells or individuals originating from a common anscestrial cell or individual.
synaptic vesicleA secretory vesicle that releases neurotransmitters at a synapse.
textureThe relative quantities of the different types and sizes of mineral particles in a deposit of sediment
cytoplasmSubstance that surrounds the nucleus of the cell.
facilitatorA species that has a positive effect on the survival and reproduction of other species in a community and that contributes to community structure
lysogenic cycleA phage replication cycle in which the viral genome becomes incorporated into the bacterial host chromosome as a prophage and does not kill the host.
antibodyAn immunologically active protein made by B cells in response to a specific antigen.
cardiac muscleA type of muscle that forms the contractile wall of the heart
micrographThe graphic representation of a microscope image.
translationThe process in which the genetic code carried by mRNA directs the synthesis of proteins from amino acids.
m13A bacteriophage which infects certain strains of E
immunoprecipitationThe precipitation of a multivalent antigen by a bivalent antibody.
calderaA large circular depression in a volcano.
ice pelletsA type of precipitation
syncyticsee Hexactinellida
algaA photosynthetic, plant-like protist.
attenuationA mechanism of regulating the level of transcription by interfering with mRNA elongation
basaltA dark colored fine grained igneous rock formed from mafic magma.
visualizationThe graphic representation of data, patterns within data, or knowledge based on analysis of data patterns.
active siteThe region of an enzyme molecule that contains the substrate binding site and the catalytic site for converting the substrate(s) into product(s).
therapeutic agentA compound that is used for the treatment of a disease or for improving the well-being of an organism
synapseThe site of communication between neurons
biochemical mutationMutation which affects a biochemical pathway.
central ventThe main passage way by which volcanic magma travels to the Earth's surface.
deuteromyceteTraditional classification for a fungus with no known sexual stage
transitional erThe region of the ER from which proteins exit for the Golgi apparatus.
duplex dnaA double-stranded DNA molecule.
eczemaEczema is a skin condition characterized by inflammation, dryness, flaking and itching
mangroveTreed wetlands located on the coastlines in warm tropical climates.
echinodermMember of a major phylum within the deuterostomes that includes sea urchins, starfish, crinoids, and sea cucumbers
rheumatoid factorAn autoantibody found in the serum of most persons with rheumatoid arthritis.
polynucleotideA chain structure containing nucleotides linked together by phosphodiester (5'-3') bonds
dictydbDictyDB, an object oriented database for storing genomic data for Dictyostelium discoideum, was developed at UCSD by Doug Smith
diastolic pressureBlood pressure that remains between heart contractions.
evergreen vegetationVegetation that keeps a majority of their leaves or needles throughout the year
signaling cascadeSee signaling.
classificationProcess of grouping things into categories.
sublimationProcess where ice changes into water vapor without first becoming liquid
conductivitya measure of a substance's ability to conduct heat or transmit electrical current
metadataData that describe specific characteristics and usage aspects (e.g., what data are about, when and how data were created, who can access the data, and available formats) of raw data generated from different analyses.
quencherA substance that deactivates excited molecules by processes such as resonance energy transfer and complex formation.
antibiotic resistancedenotes a characteristic or quality  of strains of bacteria that enables them to survive the action of an antibiotic or antimicrobial drug.
fingerprintingA common term for methods that allow the rapid identification of particular types of bacteria (also known as "typing")
clinical trialA clinical trial is a research study in human volunteers to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments
similaritySequence identity between two nucleotide sequences
greenhouse climateA period of globally warm climate thought to result from the trapping of heat at the Earth's surface by high concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, or water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere.
free energyThat part of the energy of a system that is available to do useful work.
chemical evolutionChemical reactions that could have generated complex compounds from simple ones prior to the origin of life.
organelleA subcellular membrane-bounded body with a well-defined function.
centrina family of proteins involved in the construction of the centrosome.
population geneticsThe study of hereditary at the population level
nf-κbA family of transcription factors that are activated in response to a variety of stimuli.
vertical inheritanceThe transmission of traits from parent to offspring.
genetic correlationA correlation between the breeding values for different traits
etiologyStudy of the cause of and progression of disease.
neriticrefers to shallow-water marine environments, from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
polar axisIs a line drawn through the Earth around the planet rotates
homologousFrom the same source, or having the same evolutionary function or structure.
boulderLarge fragment of rock that has a diameter greater than 256 millimeters (200 millimeters in the United Kingdom).
recombination hot spotA localized region with exceptionally high recombination rate.
parasympathetic divisionOne of three divisions of the autonomic nervous system; generally enhances body activities that gain and conserve energy, such as digestion and reduced heart rate.
el niñoAn irregular variation of ocean current that flows off the west coast of South America, carrying warm, low-salinity, nutrient- poor water to the south
developmentA broad term to encompass the physical and cognitive changes accompanying growth, usually applied to young people
regenerative medicineA term applied to new medical advances in which damaged body parts or body tissue is replaced or the body is encouraged to heal itself
computational chemistryComputer-based modeling and prediction of the structure of chemical compounds most likely to bind a protein drug target
structural isomerOne of several organic compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the covalent arrangements of their atoms.
light-dependent reactionsThe reactions of the first stage of photosynthesis, in which light energy is captured by chlorophyll molecules and converted to chemical energy stored in ATP and NADPH molecules.
ingroupA set of operational taxonomic units for which the phylogenetic relationships are being determined relative to an outgroup.
köppen climate classificationSystem that uses monthly precipitation and temperature data and total annual precipitation data to classify a location's climate into one of five main categories: Tropical Moist Climates; Dry Climates; Moist Mid-latitude Climates with Mild Winters; Moist Mid-Latitude Climates with Cold Winters; and Polar Climates
macconkey platesMacConkey medium contains pH indicators that can be used to differentiate colonies that can ferment a sugar from colonies unable to ferment a sugar
neuromaA tumor arising in nerve cells.
evolution  The change over time of the genetic constitution of a population
functional genomicsThe large-scale exploration of gene function that includes the analysis of regulatory networks, biochemical pathways, protein-protein interactions, the effects of gene knockouts, and the results of functional complementation of knockouts.
pebbleA rounded piece of rock that is larger than gravel.
genetic screeningThe testing of a population for alterations in the activity (i.e
combined paternity indexOdds ratio that depicts the likelihood of the alleged father being the biological father, in comparison to the likelihood of a random unrelated man in the population being the biological father.
conception rateThe fertilization "rate" or proportion of females mated or inseminated that initiate a pregnancy
vgSee genotypic variance.
centimorganUnit of measure for distance on genetic maps
full sibBrother or sister having both parents in common.
humusLong-lived mixture of organic compounds derived from the microbial decomposition of plant and animal matter in soils.
geneA section of DNA molecule that produces a functional RNA molecule
biohazard bagA container for materials that have been exposed to blood or other biological fluids and have the potential to be contaminated with hepatitis, AIDS, or other contagions.
orographic upliftUplift of an air mass because of a topographic obstruction
linkage disequilibriumNonrandom associations between alleles at two or more genetic loci.
bipolar cellA neuron that synapses with the axon of a rod or cone in the retina of the eye.
cryosol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
thresholdThe point that must be exceeded to begin producing a given effect or result or to elicit a response.
optimumThe level of an abiotic factor or condition in the environment within the tolerance range at which a species or population can function most efficiently or with the greatest positive effect to its physiological or reproductive fitness.
point mutationA single base change.
cognitive ethologyThe scientific study of cognition; the study of the connection between data processing by nervous systems and animal behavior.
testcrossBreeding of an organism of unknown genotype with a homozygous recessive individual to determine the unknown genotype
differentiationThe process by which cells and tissues undergo a series of changes resulting in their specialisation to a specific form or function
homozygoteAn organism with identical alleles on homologous chromosomes.
lysogenyThe ability of a temperate bacteriophage to maintain itself as a quiescent prophage until induced into the lytic cycle.
hereditary cancerCancer that occurs due to the inheritance of an altered gene within a family
immigrationThe influx of new individuals from other areas.
chemosynthesisproduction of food using the energy contained in inorganic molecules.
molarityA common measure of solute concentration, referring to the number of moles of solute per liter of solution.
pusuleA system involving a sac and channels and found in some dinoflagellates
opal mutationA change in a codon to create the nonsense codon UGA (the opal codon).
submolecularA chemical component that exists at a lower level of complexity than individual molecules (electrons, ions, free radicals).
auxotrophic requirementA nutritional supplement required for growth of an auxotrophic strain.
pollen tube guidanceIn order to deliver immotile sperm cells to the female gametophyte in flowering plants, the pollen tube carrying the sperm cells grows towards the unfertilized female gametophyte
adf/cofilinA family of actin-binding proteins that disassemble actin filaments.
eskerLong twisting ridges of sand and gravel found on the Earth's surface
drug discoveryProcesses for the the identification and development of drugs
structural geneGène discontinu : Gène pourvu d'intron
genotypeThe specific set of alleles
alignmentA presentation of two compared sequences that show the regions of greatest statistical similarity.
hyperpolarizationAn electrical state in which the inside of the cell is more negative relative to the outside than at the resting membrane potential
simulated annealingA molecular dynamics method that simulates the heating and cooling of a system in order to describe the most stable state.
heterostylyA polymorphism for distinct arrangements of anther and stigma.
derived characteristicA trait found in an organism that was not present in the common ancestor of a group of organisms being studied.
cold aclimation responseThe process by which plants increase their tolerance to freezing by exposure to low, nonfreezing temperatures.
bulk flowThe movement of water due to a difference in pressure between two locations.
coevolutionThe joint evolution of two species, with each responding to selection imposed by the other.
biogeochemistryStudy of how interactions among biological and geochemical processes influence the global cycling of such essential elements as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
dmsoDimethyl sulfoxide.
convergent liftingThe vertical lifting of parcels of air through the convergence of opposing air masses in the atmosphere
autotrophorganism that makes its own food
dibasic/die-BASE-ick/ adj
virus resistant plantsPlants that have been genetically modified so that they are resistant to a particular disease-causing virus.
neutron  A subatomic particle that has the mass of a proton but that is electrically neutral.  Variation in the number of neutrons in an atomic nucleus changes the mass of the atom but not the chemical properties.
protozoaHeterotrophic eukaryotic unicellular organisms that belong to the kingdom protista.
eonLongest geologic time unit.
sunspotDark colored region on the Sun that represents an area of cooler temperatures and extremely high magnetic fields.
carnivorousWhen an animal is carnivorous, it means that he likes to eat meat or the flesh of other animals
diversificationevolutionary increase in the number of species within a lineage of organisms
minimum dynamic areaThe amount of suitable habitat needed to sustain a viable population.
icebergA mass of ice found floating in the ocean or a lake
smnSnRNP (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein) : Protéine induite dans le cytoplasme ayant de l'affinité avec SMN et jouant un rôle clé dans l'épissage de l'ADN
pressure-flow hypothesisA hypothesis accounting for sap flow through the phloem system
frequency-dependent selectionSelection that occurs when relative fitness depends on genotype frequencies.
phylogenyThe evolutionary history of natural groups of organisms
freeze-thaw actionProcesses associated with daily and seasonal cycles of freezing and melting.
tay-sachsAn incurable recessive genetic disorder that usually develops within the first year of a child's life, causing the build-up of fat deposits in the brain
neuromuscular junctionThe junction between an axon terminal of a motor neuron and a muscle fiber innervated by that motor neuron; the axon terminal of a motor neuron is typically branched, forming neuromuscular junctions with a number of different muscle fibers.
resourceAnything obtained from the environment to meet the needs of a species.
rotationSee Earth rotation.
herbicide/tolerant resistant cropsPlants genetically engineered to tolerate herbicides used to kill weeds.
interglacialPeriod of time during an ice age when glaciers retreated because of milder temperatures.
candidate geneA gene that is suspected of being associated with a particular disease.
endomycorrhizal fungusA fungus that forms endomycorrhizae with plant roots.
latent heat of condensationThe amount of heat energy release to the environment when a gas changes its state to a liquid
sidereal dayTime it takes to complete one Earth rotation relative to the position of a fixed star
array  An orderly arrangement of data
state of matterForm of matter
muscle spindleA mechanoreceptor stimulated by mechanical distortion.
animal modelSee: model organisms
soil horizonLayer within a soil profile that differs physically, biologically or chemically from layers above and/or below it.
microbial geneticsThe study of genes and gene function in bacteria, archaea, and other microorganisms
mid-latitude cycloneCyclonic storm that forms primarily in the middle latitudes
zeptomoleOne-sextillionth mole; 10-21 mole.
essential amino acidsThe amino acids that an animal cannot synthesize itself and must obtain from food
earth sciences traditionAcademic tradition in modern Geography that investigates natural phenomena from a spatial perspective.
nuclearN(Y)OO-klee-er/ Of, residing in, or pertaining to the nucleus.
monoclones - monoclonal antibodiesA monoclone is a line of cells grown up from a single selected cell
pressure gradient forceForce due to spatial differences in atmospheric pressure
quantitative traitTrait controlled by many loci each having a relatively small effect on the variation observed among phenotypes.
nucleoplasmA highly viscous liquid that, in the cell nucleus, corresponds to the cytoplasm of the cellular region outside the nucleus
celsius scaleA temperature scale (OC) equal to 5/9 (OF - 32) that measures the freezing point of water at O°C and the boiling point of water at 100°C.
chromosomal fusionSee fusion, chromosomal.
chimeric geneA gene formed from the fusion of two or more genes
differentiatedSpecialized; having a function
emissivityThe ratio of total radiative output from a body per unit time per unit area at a specific temperature and wavelength to that of a black body under the same environmental conditions.
sterileThe absence of all life on or in an object
prionAn abnormally folded protein that causes disease by inducing normal counterparts within the cell to fold in an abnormal manner and aggregate.
peroxinA protein present in peroxisomes.
stapesThe third of the three middle ear bones.
uepSee unique event polymorphism.
streamA flowing body of water that is generally small, cold, and clear.
congenitalAny trait or condition that exists from birth
ppmSee parts per million.
elaioplastA plastid that stores lipids.
aquaporinA channel protein through which water is able to rapidly cross the plasma membrane.
pedonA basic soil sampling unit
heat capacityIs the ratio of the amount of heat energy absorbed by a substance compared to its corresponding temperature rise.
extracellular matrixThe substance in which animal tissue cells are embedded, consisting of protein and polysaccharides
mean fitnessSee fitness, mean.
heavy chainThe heavier of the two types of immunoglogulin chains.
ecosysteman ecological unit that includes all the living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic, or chemical, physical) components that interact in an environment or habitat.
loading testSee tetrahydrobiopterin loading test.
catabolismAlso referred to as 'destructive' metabolism
ovumThe mature female gamete often called the egg.
demoid/DEM-oid/ adj
oviductsTube from the ovary to the uterus
synaptic terminalA bulb at the end of an axon in which neurotransmitter molecules are stored and released.
light yearDistance that light travels in the vacuum of space in one year
quantitativedata that is measured or recorded using amounts, abundances or occurrences, rather than descriptions as with qualitative data.
subpolar lowsSurface zone of atmospheric low pressure located at about 60° North and South latitude
epilepsyEpilepsy is a condition in which uncoordinated electrical activity within the brain leads to unconsciousness and convulsions
genetic mapThe arrangement of genes or other identifiable sequences on a chromosome.
fitnessthe ability of an organism to survive and produce viable offspring in a given environment.
mutationA vast number of proteins are required to support life
bacterium pl. bacteriaA prokaryotic microorganism in Domain Bacteria.
osteichthyesThe vertebrate class of bony fishes, characterized by a skeleton reinforced by calcium phosphate; the most abundant and diverse vertebrates.
epiphyteType of vegetation that gets its physical support from the branches of other plants
tandem msA mass spectroscopic method used for high-throughput analysis of protein sequence
transgenesisTransgénique : Qualifie un être vivant issu d'une cellule dans laquelle a été introduit un ADN étranger
neutronAtomic sub-particle found in the nucleus of an atom
clonal selectionThe process by which an antigen selectively binds to and activates only those lymphocytes bearing receptors specific for the antigen
alleleDifferent forms or variants of a gene
semicircular canalsA three-part chamber of the inner ear that functions in maintaining equilibrium.
carbon cycleStorage and cyclic movement of organic and inorganic forms of carbon between the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
metric system  The measure of length used in science and most parts of the civilized world other than the U.S
net primary productivityFraction of photosynthetically fixed energy that remains after accounting for cellular respiration
quality assuranceProcess of defining the quality of performance required for each step in the testing process.
bacteriostaticA condition which prevents the growth of bacteria without killing them.
true positive resultA small percentage of individuals with out-of-range results do have the condition and must pursue treatment options.
mispairingImproper alignment of two nucleic acid strands.
polyribosomeAn aggregation of several ribosomes attached to one messenger RNA molecule.
exchangeSee phenylalanine exchange.
c-valueSee genome size.
clinical trialClinical trials test the effectiveness of new drugs or treatments
allergenA substance that causes the body to react hypersensitively to it.
sporulationFormation from vegetative cells of metabolically inactive cells that can resist extreme environmental conditions.
bedding planeA layer in a series of sedimentary beds that marks a change in the type of deposits.
ethicsthe study of fundamental principles which defines values and determines moral duty and obligation.
selected markerAn allele that allows growth under a particular selective condition.
furanoseA sugar that contains a five-membered ring as a result of intramolecular hemiacetal formation.
geneticsThe biology of heredity and variation.
paleontologyThe scientific study of fossils.
multiple sclerosisDisease of the central nervous system characterized by the destruction of nerve fibers
bedrockRock at or near (beneath soil and regolith) the Earth's surface that is solid and relatively unweathered.
antigenAny macromolecule that triggers an immune response
paralogyBeing homologous due to a recent or past duplication within the same species
micronucleiChromosome fragments that are not incorporated into the nucleus at cell division.
transductionthe transfer of genes by viruses from one organism to another.
cellThe basic organizational unit of all living organisms.
gravityIs the process where any body of mass found in the universe attracts other bodies with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the distance that separates them
organic soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
uncultured microbesMicrobes that have never successfully been grown in isolation in the laboratory.
gastrulaThe three-layered, cupshaped embryonic stage.
ecological pyramidA graphic representation of the quantitative relationships of numbers of organisms, biomass, or energy flow between the trophic levels of an ecosystem
nonequilibrium modelThe model of communities that emphasizes that they are not stable in time but constantly changing after being buffeted by disturbances.
x-ray crystallographyA method in which the diffraction pattern of X-rays is used to determine the arrangement of individual atoms within a molecule.
neuronA nerve cell specialized to receive and transmit signals throughout the body.
oviparousReferring to a type of development in which young hatch from eggs laid outside the mother's body.
mitoribosomeA mitochondrial ribosome
nosocomialNAW-sə-COAM-ee-əl/ Pertaining to hospitals.
unloadingThe releasing of downward pressure on rocks because of removal of overlying material by erosion
law of segregationMendel's first law, stating that allele pairs separate during gamete formation, and then randomly re-form pairs during the fusion of gametes at fertilization.
nitrogen cycleThe passage of nitrogen through various valence states, as the result of reactions carried out by a wide variety of different organisms.
deoxyribonucleic acidsee DNA
gwasSee genome-wide association studies.
epigenetic inheritanceDepending on context this can refer either to inheritance between generations of an organism, or between cell generations within an organism
heterosphereThe upper layer in a two part classification of the atmosphere based on the general homogeneity of chemical composition
tissueA group of cells of similar structure which sometimes performs a special function.
melaninA pigment that is found in plants, animals and protista
reducing agentThe electron donor in a redox reaction.
global warmingWarming of the Earth's average global temperature because of an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases
sulfur dioxideA gas produced from volcanic eruptions, ocean spray, organic decomposition and the burning of fossil fuels
allopatric speciationSpeciation that is associated with geographical isolation.
inversionSee temperature inversion.
germinateWhen seeds start to grow by putting out shoots and roots (can also apply to fungi).
superweedsweeds tolerant to one or more herbicides.
adrenocorticotropic hormoneA hormone, produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal cortex.
territoryAn area or space occupied and defended by an individual or a group; trespassers are attacked (and usually defeated); may be the site of breeding, nesting, food gathering, or any combination thereof.
tetrahydrobiopterin loading testA medical investigation to identify people who respond to treatment with sapropterin
differentiationSee cellular differentiation.
tropopauseThe tropopause is a relatively thin atmospheric transition layer found between the troposphere and the stratosphere
prevalenceThe proportion of a whole population affected by a certain condition.
sympatric speciationA mode of speciation occurring as a result of a radical change in the genome of a subpopulation, reproductively isolating the subpopulation from the parent population.
isotopic datingDating technique used to determine the age of rock and mineral through the decay of radioactive elements.
eutherian mammalA mammal having a placenta
substrate feederAn organism that lives in or on its food source, eating its way through the food.
parenchymaThin-walled cells, varying in shape, size, and function.
tropismRefers to host tropism that is a process of tropism that determines which cells can become infected by any given pathogen
gonadotropinA hormone that stimulates the activities of the testes and ovaries
homothallismA process occurring in some yeasts and other fungal strains where haploid spores formed during meiosis undergo self-diploidization due to the switching of mating type by some of the progeny of the spore.
biogeochemical cycleAny of the various nutrient circuits, which involve both biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems.
secondary productionThe amount of chemical energy in consumers' food that is converted to their own new biomass during a given time period.
hpaA common shortened name for hyperphenylalaninemia.
electric potentialThe difference in the amount of electric charge between a region of positive charge and a region of negative charge
two-tailed statistical testIs an inferential statistical test where the values for which one can reject the null hypothesis are located either side of the center of the probability distribution.
hydrophobic moleculeA nonpolar compound that does not form favorable binding interactions with water, and is insoluble in water.
cell bodypart of a neuron that contains the nucleus and much of the cytoplasm.
transient transfectionWhen DNA is transfected into cultured cells, it is able to stay in those cells for about 2-3 days, but then will be lost (unless steps are taken to ensure that it is retained - see Stable transfection)
transport proteinA protein whose primary function is to transport a substance from one part of the cell to another, from one cell to another, or from one tissue to another.
glycosidaseAn enzyme that removes sugar residues from its substrate.
xiphosuridAny member of the arachnid order Xiphosurida
trade windsSurface winds that generally dominate air flow in the tropics
cuspate forelandIs a triangular accumulation of sand and/or gravel located along the coastline
dacryelcosis/dack-ree-el-KOH-səs/ n
meridionalMovement of wind or ocean waters in a direction that is roughly perpendicular to the lines of latitude.
neap tideTide that occurs every 14 to 15 days and coincides with the first and last quarter of the moon
rnaRibonucleic Acid
communicationAnimal behavior involving transmission of, reception of, and response to signals.
genetic informaticsSee: bioinformatics
universal genetic codeSee canonical code.
hypertensionChronically high blood pressure within the arteries.
character traitParticular parts or properties of an organism
cyclic gmpGuanosine monophosphate in which the phosphate group is covalently bound to both the 3′ and 5′ carbon atoms, forming a cyclic structure; an important second messenger in the response of cells to a variety of hormones, and in vision.
populationA localized group of individuals that belong to the same biological species (that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring).
gene summary paragraphsA Gene Summary Paragraph is a summary of published biological information for a gene and its product which is designed to familiarize both yeast and non-yeast researchers with the general facts and important subtleties regarding a locus
procapsidA virion precursor that consists only of the viral capsid without the nucleic acid.
progenyThe offspring of parents or often offspring of a sire or dam.
thallusA seaweed body that is plantlike but lacks true roots, stems, and leaves.
coalescent processA model in which as one moves back in time, each pair of lineages coalesces at a rate 1/2Ne.
pharmacogeneticsThe science of how a person’s genes affect his or her response to drugs.
geneA sequence of DNA which codes for the synthesis of a specific protein or has a specific regulatory function.
aboralRelating to position: away from the mouth (cf
jackknifingA statistical method in which new data sets are generated by resampling an original data set without replacement.
angiosperma flowering plant that forms its seeds in a protected ovary.
sunriseMoment of time when the Sun's edge first appears above the Earth's horizon.
cytosolThe semifluid portion of the cytoplasm.
human geographyField of knowledge that studies human-made features and phenomena on the Earth from a spatial perspective
extrorseFacing outward, away from the axis or center.
aidsThe name of the late stages of HIV infection, defined by a specified reduction of T cells and the appearance of characteristic secondary infections.
template  The other strand, which is complementary to the template strand, has the same nucleotide sequence as the primary transcript.  The messenger RNA is considered "sense."  Therefore, the DNA strand with the same information is also sense.  This strand is also called the coding strand.
background selectionThe reduction in genetic diversity caused by selection against deleterious alleles at linked loci.
sulphurA common element in organic and living organisms.
inbreeding depressionReduced vigor of inbred individuals.
hydrologic cycleModel that describes the movement of water between the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
isotopeAtom that has the same number of protons as another atom but a different number of neutrons and hence atomic mass
discontinuous epitopeAn antigenic determinant created from discontinuous protein segments associated in 3-D space by folding.
transformantA bacterial cell that has undergone transformation.
population structureAny deviation from the ideal state of a single panmictic population
covariance matrixAn n × n matrix giving the covariances between a set of n variables
alzheimer's diseasea disease that causes memory loss, personality changes, dementia and, ultimately, death
seismicShaking displacement usually caused by an earthquake.
cytokinesIn the vertebrate immune system, protein factors secreted by macrophages and helper T cells as regulators of neighboring cells.
soil textureThe relative quantities of the different types and sizes of mineral particles in a soil.
amacrine cellA neuron of the retina that helps integrate information before it is sent to the brain.
unilamellarConsisting of one layer, often used in reference to lipid monolayer structures.
flagellumA hair-, whip-, or tinsel-like structure that serves to propel a motile cell.
case-control studyA form of association study in which “case” individuals with, for example, a disease are compared with “control” individuals without it.
ecosystem ecologyThe study of energy flow and the cycling of chemicals among the various biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem.
pithGround tissue that is internal to the vascular tissue in a stem; in many mono cot roots, parenchyma cells that form the central core of the vascular cylinder.
hydrologyField of physical geography that studies the hydrosphere.
immunodeficiencyA state in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease is compromised or entirely absent
hindbrainOne of three ancestral and embryonic regions of the vertebrate brain; develops into the medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum.
estrusA period of sexual activity associated with ovulation
sandMineral particle with a size between 0.06 and 2.0 millimeters in diameter
chorionic villus samplingA procedure for obtaining cells of the chorion to enable testing of the fetus for specific abnormalities
oligotrophic lakeA nutrient-poor, oxygen-rich clear, deep lake with few phytoplankton.
amniotic fluid  The liquid in which an embryo or fetus is suspended within the amniotic sac.  It consists of both liquid and cells, the latter of fetal origin.  The cells are especially useful for genetic studies.
turbidostatAn open continuous culture in which a pre-selected biomass density is uniformly maintained by automatic removal of excess cells
t cellsA subgroup of T lymphocytes characterized by having T-cell receptor (
parallel evolutionThe process by which features that once were different become similar by experiencing the same changes in different evolutionary lineages.
microvilliThin fingerlike protrusions from the surface of a cell, often used to increase absorptive capacity or to trap food particles
archeanThe unit of geologic time 2.5 - 4.0 billion years ago during which the first terrestrial rocks formed.
discovery rightsselling only research findings while keeping rights to all the knowledge that is uncovered along the way.
krillsmall crustaceans, similar to shrimp, that make up a very large amount of the biomass in the oceans and are a very important part of marine food webs
pleiotropyThe ability of a single gene to have multiple effects.
hghHuman growth hormone, q.v.
phylogramA phylogenetic tree in which the branch lengths are proportional to the evolutionary distance between nodes
palisade mesophyllOne or more layers of elongated photosynthetic cells on the upper pan of a leaf; also called palisade parenchyma.
ferricretesSedimentary rock created by the chemical precipitation of iron.
oblique aerial photographPhotograph taken from a non-perpendicular angle from a platform in the atmosphere.
antibody combining siteThe antigen (epitope) recognition and binding site of an antibody
temnospondylAny member of the Temnospondyli, a diverse group of primitive amphibians that range from the Early Carboniferous to the Cretaceous
broth cultureMicroorganisms grown in a liquid medium.
denitrificationAnaerobic conversion of nitrate or nitrite to nitrogen gas (N2) by denitrifying bacteria
microvillus pl. microvilliOne of many fine, fingerlike projections of the epithelial cells in the lumen of the small intestine that increase its surface area.
filling inRenaturation d'acide nucléique : Réassociation, après dénaturation, de simples brins d'ADN ou d'ARN complémentaires
band shift assaysee Gel shift assay.
phase iclinical trial designed primarily to determine the safety of an experimental drug.
cone of depressionCone shaped depression occurring horizontally across a water table
lytic virusA virus that lyses the host cell.
petalA modified leaf of a flowering plant
cloneCells derived from a single cell and thus expected to be genetically identical.
5'The end of a nucleic acid chain that terminates in a free phosphate group.
paternal half sibBrother or sister having the same sire but having different dams.
parametric testsStatistical tests that assume the sample data is normally distributed.
cell-based therapiesInvolve transplanting stem cells into damaged tissues to regenerate the various cell types of that tissue
stromaDense fluid found between grana (stacks of thylakoid disks) of a plant cell's chloroplast
systemic acquired resistanceA defensive response in infected plants that helps protect healthy tissue from pathogenic invasion.
monocotA flowering plant with a single cotyledon in the embryo.
cladeA group or lineage of organisms whose members are descended from a single common ancestor.
reverse transcriptaseAn RNA-dependent DNA polymerase isolated from retrovirus infected cells
autologousDerived from the same organism.
driftAny material deposited by a glacier.
new drug applicationapplication filed with the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) for approval to market a small-molecule drug.
signal patchA recognition determinant formed by the three-dimensional folding of a polypeptide chain.
femtomoleOne quadrillionth mole; 1015.
heredityThe transmission of behavioral, physiological and morphological characteristics from parent to offspring.
endocrine systemThe internal system of chemical communication invoh;ing hormones, the ductless glands that secrete hormones, and the molecular receptors on or in target cells that respond to hormones; functions in concert with the nervous system to effect internal regulation and maintain homeostasis.
magnificationThe height of the image divided by the height of the object
gram-positive bacteriaA group of bacteria with a cell wall composed of thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane
sporangiaThe spore-bearing structures of a plant or fungus.
mutationA change in the DNA sequence of nucleotide bases — which is to say (in the usual terminology), a change in the genetic code
minimal complexitythe simplest state, either genetic or metabolic, that is consistent with the viability of an organism.
nauseaNAW-see-ə/ The urge to vomit.
systematicsSee taxonomy.
genealogyRecord of descent tracing genetic relationships of individuals.
microevolutionA change in the gene pool of a population over a succession of generations.
hydrocarbonAn organic molecule consisting only of carbon and hydrogen.
thyroid glandAn endocrine gland, located on the ventral surface of the trachea, that secretes two iodine-containing hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and cacitonin.
immortalizationThe generation of cells that undergo an infinite number of division cycles
litterfallMovement of leaves, twigs and other forms of organic matter from the biosphere to the litter layer found in soil.
gnetalesA lineage of seed plants thought to be the closest living relatives of flowering plants or angiosperms
gram-negativeDescribing the group of bacteria with a cell wall that is structurally more complex and contains less peptidoglycan than that of gram-positive bacteria
sample sizeNumber of individuals drawn from a larger pool of individuals.
absolute fitnessSee fitness.
immune responseThe reactions of the immune system to foreign substances.
radiationThe emission of electromagnetic waves by all objects warmer than absolute zero.
liposomeA lipid vesicle used to introduce DNA into mammalian cells.
complete flowerA flower that has sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels.
isothermal layerVertical layer in the atmosphere where temperature remains unchanged
endangered speciesA species found in nature that has so few surviving individuals that the it could soon become extinct in all or most of its natural range
aspartateAn amino acid that functions as a CNS neurotransmitter.
cone cell(1) In plants, the reproductive structure of a conifer
ozone holeIs a sharp seasonal decrease in stratospheric ozone concentration that occurs over Antarctica in the spring
diploid/DIP-loid/ adj
biotechnologistsScientists who use biological processes to develop novel products.
mucilaginousMade of, or with the texture of, mucus
sterileIncapable of reproduction.
caseidAny of a group of Permian reptiles related to the sail-backed pelycosaurs
cumulus cloudPuffy clouds with relatively flat bases
hypervariable regionThe parts of both the heavy and light chains of an antibody molecule that enable it to bind to a specific site on an antigen.
multiplicative theoremThe joint probability for two or more independent events is the product of the individual probabilities of the individual events.
viscosityThe amount of the resistance to flow in a fluid due to intermolecular friction.
actual evapotranspirationThe amount of water annually transpired by plants and evaporated from a landscape, usually measured in millimeters.
fluoresceinDye that fluoresces green when exposed to blue or ultraviolet light.
temperate virusA virus that can reproduce without killing the host.
oxidationLoss of one or more electrons from a chemical substance.
shotgun methodSequencing method that involves randomly sequenced cloned pieces of the genome, with no foreknowledge of where the piece originally came from
primer dimerFormed by intermolecular interactions between the two primers (i.e., self-dimers and cross-dimers).
atomic number  The number of protons in an atomic nucleus.  Atomic numbers vary from 1 for hydrogen to 103 for the man-made element Lawrencium.  The chemical properties of an element are a function of the number of protons in the nucleus, which in turn determine the stable number of electrons in the surrounding shells.
benign tumoura localised tumour which is not considered to be at risk of metastasis.
adaptedWhen something changes to fit its surroundings or environment, we say it has adapted
in vitroIn a test tube, or other laboratory apparatus
mimotopeA compound that mimics the structure of an epitope and provokes an identical antibody response
surface plasmon resonanceA biosensor system used for analyzing ligand binding and kinetics of specific molecules within complex mixtures without prior purification
in silicoUsing computers to simulate and investigate natural processes.
activated complexThe highest free energy state of a complex in going from reactants to products.
meteorA body of matter that enters the Earth's atmosphere from space
mutationallow cells to grow uncontrolled
grazing food chainModel describing the trophic flow of organic energy in a community or ecosystem.
terrestrialPertaining to land - as opposed to the water (aquatic) or the air (aerial).
lodiculeOne of a pair of tiny scales in a grass floret, between the lemma and the fertile parts of the flower.
psychrophilesOrganisms that prefer to grow at low temperatures.
transcriptomeThe full complement of activated genes, mRNAs, or transcripts in a particular tissue at a particular time
dehydrate/də-HIGH-drate, dee-/ v
dactyloid/DAKT-əl-oid/ adj
raw formatA format in which the nucleotide sequence appears without headers or comments
patchinessLocalized variation in environmental conditions within an ecosystem, arranged spatially into a complex of discrete areas that may be characterized by distinctive groups of species or ecosystem processes.
pluckingErosive process of particle detachment by moving glacial ice
stable isotopeIsotope that does not undergo radioactive decay.
phenogramA branching diagram that links entities by estimates of overall similarity.
tarnA small mountain lake that occurs inside a cirque basin.
backcrossa mating between an offspring and one of its parents.
antiparallelParallel linear structures with directional polarity
screeningSearching in libraries for molecules with desired properties
reactantA starting material in a chemical reaction.
prime meridianThe location from which meridians of longitude are measured
informaticsThe study of the application of computer and statistical techniques to the management of information.
electrosprayA method for generating a fine spray of highly charged droplets.
populationCollection of organisms of the same species living together in a given area
species barriera barrier believed to exist between one species and another that effectively precludes breeding between those species
fungusMember of a class of relatively primitive vegetable organism
anatomically modern humanA member of the human lineage that is recognized by anthropologists as having essentially the same anatomy as present-day Homo sapiens.
haemocytometera calibrated microscope slide used to perform cell counts
nitrogenous baseAn aromatic nitrogen-containing molecule with basic properties
lod scorelogarithm of the odd score; a measure of the likelihood of two loci being within a measurable distance of each other.
ecdysoneAn insect steroid hormone that triggers metamorphosis.
vascular cambiumA cylinder of meristematic tissue in woody plants that adds layers of secondary vascular tissue called secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem.
desertA terrestrial biome characterized by very low precipitation.
hanging wallThe topmost surface of an inclined fault.
inquiryThe search for information and explanation, often focused by specific questions.
maternal inheritanceA form of inheritance in which a trait is only inherited from the mother
savannaA tropical grassland biome with scattered individual trees, large herbivores, and three distinct seasons based primarily on rainfall, maintained by occasional fires and drought.
filtrationThe first stage of kidney function; blood plasma is forced, under pressure, out of the glomerular capillaries into Bowman's capsule, through which it enters the renal tubule.
active transportVectorial transport of a molecule or ion against a concentration gradient by a membrane-bound protein complex.
sea breezeLocal thermal circulation pattern found at the interface between land and water
bulk feederAn animal that eats relatively large pieces of food.
mass extinctionA catastrophic, widespread perturbation where major groups of species become extinct in a relatively short time compared to normal background extinctions.
intellectual propertyThe content of the human intellect, or the result of intellectual effort, which is considered to be unique and original and have value in the marketplace, and therefore requires legal protection and ownership
self-incompatibilityThe capability of certain flowers to block fertilization by pollen from the same or a closely related plant.
endangeredA species with such a low population number, that the population is in danger of extinction.
immune response  The defense system of the body that combats foreign substances, such as bacterial and viral infections.  There are two principal and related forms: humoral immunity and cellular immunity.  Humoral immunity consists of antibodies in the blood plasma that bind to specific foreign (nonself) antigens, causing them to be removed.  Antibodies are produced by B-cells
structural genomicsThe effort to determine the 3D structures of large numbers of proteins using both experimental techniques and computer simulation
fstA measure of the genetic diversity between subpopulations relative to the total:It was devised by Sewall Wright.
stem cellsThe common, self-regenerating cells in the marrow of long bones that give rise, by differentiation and division, to red blood cells and all of the different types of white blood cells.
selective mediaGrowth media that only allow growth of mutant or recombinant cells with a particular phenotype grow
reliefThe range of topographic elevation within a specific area.
macronucleusThe larger of the two nuclei found in ciliate cells
gene splicingA technique used to join segments of DNA to form a new genetic combination.
aggregate fruitA fruit derived from a single flower that has more than one carpel.
ccd cameraA camera that uses CCD (charge coupled device) chips to convert photons to electrical or digital information.
action potentialA rapid change in the membrane potential of an excitable cell, caused by stimulus-triggered, selective opening and closing of voltage-sensitive gates in sodium and potassium ion channels.
ground fogSee radiation fog.
daughter cellA cell that is the offspring of a cell that has undergone mitosis or meiosis
extinctWhen an animal becomes extinct, it no longer exists or lives on our planet anymore
retinoidA molecule related to retinoic acid.
protonA sub-particle of an atom that contains a positive charge.
superinfection exclusionA process whereby the presence of one phage in a cell prevents the secondary infection by other
ovumThe female gamete; the haploid, unfertilized egg, which is usually a relatively large, nonmotile cell.
induced pluripotent stem cellAn adult somatic cell that has been reprogrammed in culture to resemble an embryonic stem cell.
theta correctionA theta adjustment is a mathematical correction applied to a frequency calculation when both alleles at a locus are the same (known as a homozygous state)
pronucleusThe nucleus of a sperm or egg prior to fertilization
z dnaAn alternative, left-handed form of the double helix.
myceliumThe densely branched network of hyphae in a fungus.
p-waveA seismic wave that moves material in push-pull fashion in the direction of its travel
two hybrid portal pathcallingPathCalling is a tool offered by Curagen Corporation to identify protein pathways and protein-protein interactions.
ecosystem servicesFunctions performed by natural ecosystems that directly or indirectly benefit humans.
heterokaryonA fungal mycelium formed by the fusion of two hyphae that have genetically different nuclei.
valenceThe bonding capacity of an atom, generally equal to the number of unpaired electrons in the atom's outermost shell.
hypothesis(1) an educated guess; (2) a tentative explanation; (3) a proposition to be tested by comparing it to evidence.
spongocoelThe central cavity of a sponge.
evolutionThe process of cumulative change occurring over successive generations.
bayhead beachAn extensive deposit of sand and/or gravel in the form of a beach at the back of a bay.
prochiral moleculeA nonchiral molecule that lacks handedness and is optically inactive, but would become chiral by a change in one of the substituents at the chiral center
atomic weightThe total atomic mass, which is the mass in grams of one mole of the atom.
deposit-feederA heterotroph, such as an earthworm, that eats its way through detritus, salvaging bits and pieces of decaying organic matter.
class ii proteinsMajor histocompatibility antigens that are found only on the surface of specific lymphocyte cell types and some macrophages.
explorationA less structured and often independent learning activity that utilizes discovery.
heredityResemblance among individuals related by descent; transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
summerSeason between spring and fall
dysplasia/dis-PLAYZ-yə/ n
latent heat fluxLatent heat flux is the global movement of latent heat energy through circulations of air and water
dna fingerprintingA technique for identifying a person or an organism
modelingTeaching a complex process by demonstrating each unique step.
negative feedbackChange in the state of a system that counteracts the measured effect of the initial alteration.
bacteriaOne-celled organisms, not able to be seen except under a microscope, found in rotting matter, in air, in soil and in living bodies, some being the germs of disease
subpolar glacierGlacier in which the ice found from the its surface to base has a temperature as cold as -30° Celsius throughout the year
cross   A term, used especially in experimental genetics, referring to specific types of matings.
ohm's lawThe amount of current flowing in a circuit made up of pure resistances is directly proportional to the electromotive forces impressed on the circuit and inversely proportional to the total resistance of the circuit.
helixspiral in form.
horizontal cellA neuron of the retina that helps integrate information before it is sent to the brain.
neural tubePrimitive, hollow, dorsal nervous system of the early vertebrate embryo; formed by fusion of neural folds around the neural groove.
gross sediment transportThe total amount of sediment transported along a shoreline in a specific time period.
genotypeThe genetic makeup of an individual.
ssmSee slip-strand mispairing.
freezing rainA type of precipitation
autotrophA microorganism that synthesizes all organic molecules from inorganic sources.
bactericidalPreventing infection by inhibiting the growth or action of bacteria.
varSee variance.
greenhouse gasesGases responsible for the greenhouse effect
descendantsYour parent's descendants are their children (including you!) and their children's families
osmoconformerAn animal that does not actively adjust its internal osmolarity because it is isotonic with its environment.
cardiotoxicityToxicity that affects the heart.
hostThe larger participant in a symbiotic relationship, serving as home and feeding ground to the symbiont.
adult learningLearning theory for adults that employs enabling objectives and may include independent or self-directed activities.
dissolved loadPortion of the stream load that is in solution in the flowing water.
chemosynthesisProcess in which specific autotrophic organisms extract inorganic compounds from their environment and convert them into organic nutrient compounds without the use of sunlight
applied researchaimed at gaining knowledge or understanding to determine the means by which a specific recognized need may be met
porosityThe void spaces found in rock, sediment, or soil
dark reactionsReactions that can occur in the dark, in a process that is usually associated with light, such as the dark reactions of photosynthesis.
extrudeTo push out.
prerequisitesPre knowledge, skills, or abilities required for a learning activity.
wattA metric unit of measurement of the intensity of radiation in Watts over a square meter surface (W/m2 or W m-2).
bilayerA double layer of lipid molecules with the hydrophilic ends oriented outward, in contact with water, and the hydrophobic parts oriented inward.
classthe level of biological classification above an order and below a phylum.
truncationTo shorten
expected heterozygosityMean value of all the expected values found for all loci in a sample.
aridisolsDry desert soils with a prominent clay horizon.
simplexAutotetraploid possessing only one copy of a reference allele
tropical depressionAn organized group of thunderstorms often found over a tropical ocean that generates a cyclonic flow of between 37 and 63 kilometers per hour
dryopithecine/DRY-oh-PITH-ə-seen/ n
glycolipidA lipid containing a carbohydrate group.
community boundarySpatial edge of a unique community.
meltingThe physical process of a solid becoming a liquid
twinsTwo individuals originating from the same zygote.
stereotyped behaviorRepetitive routines or movements that have no function or use
transferred dnaSee T-DNA.
active continental margina continental margin that is characterized by tectonic activity, which results from the collision of two tectonic plates, for example, the subduction of an oceanic plate under a continental plate.
hypochondriaA term used to refer to premitochondriate eukaryotes.
methane clathratesIce crystals that contain large amounts of methane
monocultureCultivation of large land areas with a single plant variety.
histone deacetylase inhibitora group of compounds which inhibit the action of histone deacetylases, resulting in hyperacetylation of the histone tail and increased gene transcription.
podzolizationSoil forming process that produces a strongly leached soil with a distinctive iron hardpan layer in the B horizon
steroidsCompounds that are derivatives of a tetracyclic structure composed of a cyclopentane ring fused to a substituted phenanthrene nucleus.
axillary budA structure that has the potential to form a lateral shoot, or branch
autoradiographyA technique using photography to detect radioactively-labeled molecules by placing molecular material on a piece of film, suspending movement, and exposing the film.
β-barrelA transmembrane domain formed by the folding of β sheets into a barrel-like structure.
phagolysosomeA lysosome that has fused with a phagosome or autophagosome.
eosinophilA white blood cell that contains granules filled with chemicals damaging to parasites, and enzymes that damp down inflammatory reactions.
gross primary productionThe total primary production of an ecosystem.
sumoSmall ubiquitin-related modifier
carbohydrateA chemical compound that contains only carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) and has the general formula Cx (H2O)y
tunicaAn outer one- to four-cell layered region of the apical meristem, where cell division is anticlinal, i.e., perpendicular to the surface
brachiopodAny member of a phylum of marine invertebrate animals called Brachiopoda
light-independent reactionsThe carbon-fixing reactions of the second stage of photosynthesis; energy stored in ATP and NADPH by the light-dependent reactions is used to reduce carbon from carbon dioxide to simple sugars; light is not required for these reactions.
tree-viewTree-View refers to the display of parent-child relationships of GO terms within an ontology.
in vivoIn the living organism.
second messengerA mediator that is generated within a cell in response to a signal transduction event at the cell surface.
predationAn interaction between species in which one species, the predator, eats the other, the prey.
gameteMature, haploid reproductive cell.
barrier elementSee insulator.
biological therapyTherapies that stimulate the immune system to fight disease.
adenineA nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adenine-thymine). 
continental marginthe zone of the sea floor reaching from the continents to the abyssal plain, including the continental shelf, the continental slope, and the continental rise.
potential energyIs the energy that a body possesses by virtue of its position and that is potentially transformable into another form of energy.
phycocyaninBlue pigment found in cyanobacteria and red algae.
primary structureIn a polymer, the sequence of monomers and the covalent bonds
herbivoreA heterotrophic animal that eats plants.
reductionThe addition of electrons to a substance involved in a redox reaction.
stasisthe persistence of a particular species without discernible change through geological strata.
sustainable developmentThe long-term prosperity of human societies and the ecosystems that support them.
selection intensityThe proportion of a population of tested animals that are selected and saved for breeding purposes.
urinary bladderThe pouch where urine is stored prior to elimination.
biosorptionThe sequestering of chemicals by a biological system.
correlation coefficientThe most commonly used measure of correlation between two variables (x, y)
endocrinologistA doctor that specializes in disorders of the glands.
combinatorial chemistrya product discovery technique that uses robotics and parallel chemical reactions to generate and screen as many as several million molecules with similar structures in order to find chemical molecules with desired properties.
toleranceAn attenuation of response to an agent or antigen.
evaporative coolingThe property of a liquid whereby the surface becomes cooler during evaporation, owing to a loss of highly kinetic molecules to the gaseous state
metaphaseA stage in mitosis or meiosis during which the chromosomes are aligned along the equatorial plane of the cell.
standard codeSee canonical code.
premutation  An unstable "semimutation" that has no phenotypic effect but that is highly likely to mutate to a full mutation during transmission.  See trinucleotide expansion.
synthesisThe process of building a complex compound from a number of simple chemical elements.
synapomorphiesShared derived characters; homologies that evolved in an ancestor common to all species on one branch of a fork in a cladogram, but not common to species on the other branch.
epithelial–mesenchymal interactionsDescribes the reciprocal signalling between epithelial and mesenchymal tissue layers during embryogenesis
valleyA linear depression in the landscape that slopes down to a stream, lake or the ocean
ultraviolet radiationThe part of the invivible electromagnetic spectrum (just below violet) with wavelengths between about 100-400 nm.
equilibriumEquilibrium describes the average condition of a system, as measured through one of its elements or attributes, over a specific period of time.
silencingSwitching off of a gene by any mechanism other than a change in the genetic sequence.
dumb moneyfunding from investors who cannot provide additional benefits such as guidance or networking.
stem cella cell capable of proliferation which can give rise to other stem cells or to cells which can differentiate into mature functional cells.
ex vivoOutside the body.
capsidThe protein coating of a free virus particle.
esophagusA channel that conducts food, by peristalsis, from the pharynx to the stomach
biodiversitya broad term used to describe the total number of species in an ecosystem, as compared to the total number of individuals
baseA substance that reduces the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.
dendriteOne of usually numerous, short, highly branched processes of a neuron that convey nerve impulses toward the cell body
predationBiological interaction between species where a predator species consumes a prey species.
water columnthe entire depth of a water body, from its surface to the bottom.
annualA flowering plant that completes its en tire life cycle in a single year or growing season.
adeno associated virusA small, stable virus that is not known to cause disease in humans
megasporogenesisProcess of producing the megaspores.
bacteriaOne of the three domains of life
cell-free translation systemA cell extract containing all the components required for protem synthesis (i.e
natural active immunityImmunity that is established after the occurrence of a disease.
diversitySee Species Diversity.
zona pellucidaCovering around the oocyte or egg that protects it and is a block to polyspermy.
pollenthe grains that contain the male reproductive cells of a seed plant.
neuropsychological testingLong-term hyperphenylalaninemia impairs the function of the brain
in situA Latin phrase meaning "in the original place"
weigle reactivationThe increased survival of phage after UV irradiation if they infect cells that have previously been exposed to a lose dose of UV
net ecosystem productivityAmount of organic carbon (e.g., plant biomass, soil organic matter) that remains after respiration by photosynthetic organisms, heterotrophs, and decomposers.
succulent vegetationGroup of plants that have the ability to survive in deserts and other dry climates by having no leaves
riftZone between two diverging tectonic plates
continental slopethe area of the sea floor that stretches from the edge of the continental shelf (~200 m) to the abyssal plain (~4000-6000 m)
directed mutagenesisAlteration of DNA at a specific site and its reinsertion into an organism to study any effects of the change.
lymphomaA malignant tissue neoplasm that produces a tumor mass, often associated with lymphoid tissue.
signatureAn alternative term for motif or pattern.
detergentAn agent that reduces the surface tension of a liquid
rnaconsisting of one chemical base plus a phosphate molecule and a sugar molecule.
spatial summationA phenomenon of neural integration in which the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell is determined by the combined effect of EPSPs or IPSPs produced nearly simultaneously by different synapses.
vacuolesMembrane-bound sacs for storage, digestion, and waste removal - Contains water solution - Contractile vacuoles for water removal (in unicellular organisms)
amino acidsAmino acids are a set of 20 different molecules used to build proteins.
plagioclase feldsparA type of feldspar that is rich in sodium and calcium
polar jet streamRelatively fast uniform winds concentrated within the upper atmosphere in a narrow band
massively parallel computingHigh-performance computing based on the development of parallel processing algorithms and applications that can be executed simultaneously by many separate processors.
poolScoured depression found on the bed of streams
bundle-sheath cellA type of photosynthetic cell arranged into tightly packed sheaths around the veins of a leaf.
exudatesSee root exudate.
ctenophoreMember of a major animal phylum of solitary gelatinous marine animals commonly called comb jellies or sea gooseberries (phylum Ctenophora)
enzymeA protein, produced by living cells, that promotes the chemical processes of life without itself being altered.
evidence codeEvery GO annotation must indicate the type of evidence that supports it; the evidence codes correspond to broad categories of experimental or other support
perennialA flowering plant that lives for many years.
walk-throughAn initial assessment conducted by carefully walking through the scene to evaluate the situation, identify potential evidence, and determine resources required
dehydrogenase/də-high-DRAW-jən-aze, dee-/ n
mesozoicGeologic era that occurred from 245 to 65 million years ago.
earthquakeIs a sudden motion or trembling in the Earth
basecompound that releases hydroxide ions in solution.
one-step growth curveA plot of the production of lytic growth of a virus vs time
expressedregardless of whether its counterpart allele on the other chromosome is dominant or recessive
dizygotic  The term applied to twins who are derived from two separate zygotes
centimorganA unit of measure of recombination frequency
molluscaa phylum of animals that are unsegmented and soft-bodied, and have a muscular foot and often one or more hard shells; includes clams, snails and octopuses.
down syndromeA human genetic disease resulting from having an extra chromosome 21, characterized by mental retardation and heart and respiratory defects.
data miningusing computers to analyze masses of information to discover trends and patterns.
estrogen  [Latin oestrus, Greek oistros gadfly, passion, frenzy] Any of several related steroids that promote development of female genitalia and other sexual characteristics and that are increased in the menstrual cycle preceding ovulation
short-day plantA plant that flowers (usually in late summer, fall, or winter) only when the light period is shorter than a critical length.
double circulationA circulation scheme with separate pulmonary and systemic circuits, which ensures vigorous blood flow to all organs.
dioeciousA term typically used to describe an angiosperm species in which carpellate and staminate flowers are on separate plants.
mass selectionSelection based on individuals (their own phenotypic performance).
human-land traditionAcademic tradition in modern Geography that investigates human interactions with the environment.
saturationAtmospheric condition where water is changing its phase to liquid or solid
cladogramA diagram depicting patterns of shared characteristics among species.
accelerated development and reviewa process designed to speed the development of drugs that promise significant benefits over existing therapies or treat serious illnesses for which no therapy exists.
peripheral nervous systemThe sensory and motor neurons that connect to the central nervous system.
pepsinAn enzyme present in gastric juice that begins the hydrolysis of proteins.
independent variableA variable that influences the measure of a second characteristic (the dependent variable).
magnetic resonance imagingAn imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images for medical research
antibiotica chemical substance that can kill or inhibit the growth of a microorganism.
retinoblastomaa childhood malignant cancer of the retina of the eye
isostatic depressionLarge scale sinking of the crust into the asthenosphere because of an increase in weight on the crustal surface
light microscopeAn optical instrument with lenses that refract (bend) visible light to magnify images of specimens.
outcropArea of exposed bedrock at the Earth's surface with no overlying deposits of soil or regolith.
optical fiberA glass or plastic fiber surrounded by a material with a lower index of refraction
isotopeA form of an atom that differs from other forms of the atom in atomic weight
temperate deciduous forestA biome located throughout midlatitude regions where there is sufficient moisture to support the growth of large, broad-leaf deciduous trees.
all-or-none eventAn action that occurs either completely or not at all, such as the generation of an action potential by a neuron.
decomposerAn organism that breaks down dead organic material into simpler compounds.
genetic heterogeneityRefers to diseases, conditions or other characteristics that appear similar but whose genetic basis is different in different populations or individuals.
carotenoidAn accessory pigment, either yellow or orange, in the chloroplasts of plants
hermaphroditicPossessing both male and female reproductive organs.
page polyacrylamide gel electrophoresisOne of the two major types of gels used for the electrophoretic separation of DNA molecules
base levelThe subterranean elevation below which a stream cannot vertically erode sediment
substrateThe reactant on which an enzyme
agonistic behaviorA type of behavior involving a contest of some kind that determines which competitor gains access to some resource, such as food or mates.
anionA negatively charged ion.
reciprocal crossIf a cross is made between A males and B females, then the reciprocal cross is between B males and A females.
inducible proteinsThose which are synthesized in different amounts depending on cellular signals.
biomassThe mass of material produced by living micoorganisms, plants, or animals.
primary productionThe amount of light energy converted to chemical energy (organic compounds) by autotrophs in an ecosystem during a given time period.
dopamineAn important neurotransmitter in the CNS
acthAbbreviation of adrenocorticotropic hormone.
ribosomeParticle composed of ribosomal RNAs and proteins
dmsDimethyl sulfate.
sporadicOccurring occasionally or randomly
geologyThe field of knowledge that studies the origin, structure, chemical composition, and history of the Earth and other planets.
auxotrophA microorganism strain that requires nutrients not required by the wild-type strain.
chromosomeChromosomes are packages of DNA found in the nucleus of cells
monandrousWhere females mate with a single male.
backscatteringPortion of solar radiation directed back into space as a result of particle scattering in the atmosphere.
cell cycle control systemA cyclically operating set of molecules in the cell that triggers and coordinates key events in the cell cycle.
elastic limitMaximum level of elastic deformation of a material without rupture.
double circulatory systemA blood circulation in which the pulmonary circulation is separate from the systemic circulation (as in mammals, birds, and crocodilians).
summer solsticeThe summer solstice denotes the first day of the summer season
functional complementationThe restoration of function by the introduction of exogenous DNA.
fluid dragReduction in the flow velocity of a fluid by the frictional effects of a surface.
hurricaneAn intense cyclonic storm consisting of an organized mass of thunderstorms that develops over the warm oceans of the tropics
rainA form of precipitation
uterine cycleThe changes that occur in the uterus during the reproductive cycle of the human female; also called the menstrual cycle.
ecdysoneA hormone that stimulates the molting process in insects.
phosphorylationAddition of a phosphate group or groups to a molecule.
chloroformA chemical used in organic extraction
feedback systemsControl mechanisms whereby an increase or decrease in the level of a particular factor inhibits or stimulates the production, utilization, or release of that factor; important in the regulation of enzyme and hormone levels, ion concentrations, temperature, and many other factors.
immune responseHow your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful to the body.
telo-  [Greek telos end.] A common prefix to describe something at the end
chromosomes  In the case of humans, there would be 69 chromosomes (3 × 23).
species richnessThe number of species in a biological community
thalwegLine of deepest water in a stream channel as seen from above
carpelPart of a flower that encloses the ovules and extends into a compound pistil.
auxinA plant growth hormone usually concentrated in the apical bud.
spermatogoniaSpecialized testicular cells that, by mitosis, give rise to spermatocytes and further divide by meiosis to produce spermatids.
physical weatheringBreakdown of rock and minerals into small sized particles through mechanical stress.
phagosomeA cellular inclusion formed by the engulfment of cells or tissue debris during phagocytosis.
cultivara particular cultivated variety of a plant.
caveA natural cavity or recess that is roughly positioned horizontally to the surface of the Earth.
heredityTransmission of characters through genetic material from one generation to the next.
vessel elementIndividual cells that make up vessels.
false negativean experimental outcome that incorrectly yields a negative result
entropyA quantitative measure of disorder or randomness, symbolized by S.
olson_mapOn a Clone page, the position of the clone on the physical map is given under this tag
reciprocal recombinationA precise exchange of genetic information like that expected for a simple cut, exchange, and rejoin mechanism
discordantThe situation where both members of a pair of twins do not exhibit the same characteristics
amino acidAmino acids are, among other things, constituent elements of protein
communityRefers to all the populations of interacting species found in a specific area or region at a certain time.
migrationMovement of organisms in an intentional way between two points in space
clineChange in environmental variables (such as temperature) which is accompanied by a regular increase or decrease in an allele frequency.
immunizationGeneration of antibodies by administering antigen
false positivean experimental outcome that incorrectly yields a positive result
gonadal mosaicismSee germline mosaicism.
bilaterianMember of the group that includes the majority of animal phyla and includes all animals with bilateral (left/right) symmetry.
cleavage divisionsFirst 4 to 6 divisions of the young embryo, multiplying the number of cells without increasing the size.
granulocyteA white blood cell containing large granules.
genotypethe exact genetic coding and DNA sequence information that an organism has.
anaplerotic metabolic pathwayA biochemical pathway that replenishes intermediates needed by a central metabolic pathway.
monomerOne of the component units of a polymeric molecule.
soluble proteinSee globular protein.
adrenocorticotropic hormoneA tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the production and secretion of steroid hormones by the adrenal cortex.
phylogenyThe evolutionary history of a species or group of related species.
cloningThe process of producing a genetically identical copy
nucleusThe cell
morphological species conceptDefining species by measurable anatomical criteria.
cohortA group of individuals of the same age, from birth until all are dead.
dissimilarNot similar or alike; different in appearance, properties, or nature; unlike.
release factorsProteins that facilitate the termination of translation
symbiosisA long-term association of different species that provides mutual benefit.
dendrite/DEND-right/ n
mucusA gelly-like substance produced by organisms, texture may vary from virtually fluid to stiff and rubber-like.
vertical transmissionSee vertical inheritance.
protonA subatomic particle with a single positive electrical charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.
vaSee additive genetic variance.
gene therapyAn experimental technique for treating disease that works by introducing a healthy copy of a non-functioning gene into the patient's cells.
onshore-offshore transportThe up and down movement of sediment roughly perpendicular to a shoreline because of wave action.
digestionThe process of breaking down food into molecules small enough for the body to absorb.
chrom-  [Greek chroma color.] A common prefix or suffix meaning color
generation timeThe time interval between successive cell divisions.
tympanic membraneAnother name for the eardrum.
primosomeA complex of primase and helicase that initiates synthesis of RNA primers on the lagging DNA strand during DNA replication.
biotechnologythe application of molecular biology for useful purposes.
immune systemThe cells, proteins (such as antibodies) and cellular activities that work together to fight off infection and provide resistance to subsequent infection.
nivationProcess where snow patches initiate erosion through physical weathering, meltwater flow, and gelifluction.
wiltingThe drooping of leaves and stems as a result of plant cells becoming flaccid.
double helixThe shape that two linear strands of DNA
respite careA service provided to the families of children who require extraordinary forms of care, so that the family can take vacations, handle business affairs, and have some relief from the duties of caring for the child.
spatial isolationReproductive isolation of two or more populations of a species by distance or physical barriers
technology transferThe process of converting scientific findings from research laboratories into useful products by the commercial sector.
antheridiumIn plants, the male garnet' a moist chamber in which gametes
nonporous containerPackaging through which liquids or vapors cannot pass (e.g., glass jars or metal cans).
evolutionDescent with modification
lethal genotypeGenotype whose expression results in the death of the individual possessing it.
euploidPolyploid individual whose chromosome complement is comprised of a whole number of its basic chromosome set.
zetta-A prefix indicating 1021; a sextillion.
low pressureAn area of atmospheric pressure within the Earth's atmosphere that is below average
amoeboidHaving no definite shape to the cell, able to change shape.
paleolakeAn ancient lake that existed in the past when hydrological conditions were different.
dopaL-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine.
exclusionThe elimination of an individual as the source of a biological sample
shorelineThe line that separates a land surface from a water body
western blotIs an analytical technique used to detect specific proteins in a given sample of tissue homogenate or extract.
virusA small, infectious, obligate intracellular parasite
diatomAny member of a group of single-celled algae that live in both marine and fresh-water environments
negative feedbackA primary mechanism of homeostasis, whereby a change in a physiological variable that is being monitored triggers a response that counteracts the initial fluctuation.
cellular lineageAny succession of cells in a body produced by a series of cell divisions
lobeA tongue-like extension of some material
working distanceDistance between the front vertex of a lens and the object.
diastolic pressureThe pressure in an artery during the ventricular relaxation phase of the heart cycle.
microbesMinute living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.
phylumIn classification, the taxonomic category above class.
random primersA set of short oligonucleotides with variable sequences
continental shelfShallow submerged margin of the continents that lies between the edge of the shoreline and the continental slope
cloneOne of a group of genetically identical cells or organisms derived from a common ancestor.
chalkA sedimentary rock of marine origin, formed by the accumulation of calcareous shells (tests) left behind by microorganisms.
horst faultA fault that is produced when two reverse faults cause a block of rock to be push up.
eluateThe fluid that has passed through (eluted from) a chromatographic column.
needle iceA form of periglacial ground ice that consists of groups ice slivers at or immediately below the ground surface
zinc fingerA protein structural motif common in DNA binding proteins
drug developmentthe process of taking a lead compound, demonstrating it to be safe and effective for use in humans, and preparing it for commercial-scale manufacture.
coastlineThe line that separates a land surface from an ocean or sea.
playaA dry lake bed found in a desert.
in vivoIn a living context — more specifically, in the living cell or organism.
adenosine triphosphateMain source of energy for biochemical reactions within the cell.
gameSee evolutionary game.
biological species conceptDefinition of a species as a population or group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce viable, fertile offspring, but are not able to produce viable, fertile offspring with members of other populations.
zoosporeFlagellated spore occurring in chytrid fungi.
regulomeThe total interactions of the regulatory networks within a cell.
nitrogen  [Symbol N; atomic number = 7; atomic mass = 14.007.]   One of the elements that plays an important role in biological systems.  One atom of nitrogen joins with two atoms of hydrogen to form an amino group, one of the important functional groups in amino acids and other biological molecules.
testosteroneThe most abundant androgen hormone in the male body.
blade(1) A leaflike structure of a seaweed that provides most of the surface area for photosynthesis
cathodeThe negative electrode of an electrophoretic system toward which cations migrate.
dissociation constantAn equilibrium constant for the dissociation of a molecule into two parts (e.g., dissociation of acetic acid into acetate anion and a proton); Kd.
anaphase aThe movement of daughter chromosomes toward the spindle poles during mitosis.
palindromeAn arrangement of symbols that reads the same backward as forward.
system boundaryOuter edge of system
sa nodeThe pacemaker of the heart, located in the wall of the right atrium
terminal budEmbryonic tissue at the tip of a shoot, made up of developing leaves and a compact series of nodes and internodes.
ontogenythe development of an organism over its lifetime, from conception to death.
hairA single or multicellular, absorptive (root hair) or secretory (glandular hair) and sometimes only a superficial outgrowth (covering hair) of the epidermal cells
tropical stormAn organized group of thunderstorms often found over a tropical ocean that generates a cyclonic flow of between 64 and 118 kilometers per hour
mismatch repairThe cellular process that uses special enzymes to fix incorrectly paired nucleotides.
defloration/dehf-lə-RAY-shən/ n
competitive inhibitorA substance that reduces the activity of an enzyme by entering the active site in place of the substrate whose structure it mimics.
toxicokineticsThe rate of uptake and transformation of potentially toxic substances within a living system.
endosporeA thick-coated, resistant cell produced within a bacterial cell exposed to harsh conditions.
venturiAn increase in the velocity of a fluid or gas due to the constriction of flow.
hydrophilicwater soluble.
electronA subatomic particle with a negative charge
carbon sourceA nutrient which provides the carbon required for cellular biosynthesis.
entomologyThe study of the biology of insects.
maricultureThe culture of marine organisms.
hybridization1
bioinformaticsThe management and analysis of data (especially DNA sequence data) using advanced computing techniques
biomarkerA geologically stable molecule originally part of a living organism
punnett squareDiagrammatic representation of the union of gametes in all possible combinations.
host-vector systemCombination of DNA-receiving cells (host) and DNA-transporting substance (vector) used for introducing foreign DNA into a cell.
in vitroin a test tube
sporophyteLife form during the life cycle of a plant which produces the micro- and megaspores
temperate deciduous forestForested biome found in the mid-latitudes and dominated by deciduous vegetation.
sterileIncapable of reproduction
swashA thin sheet of water that moves up the beach face after a wave of water breaks on the shore.
intermediate filamentA component of the cytoskeleton that includes all filaments intermediate in size between microtubules and microfilaments.
bivalentPair of homologous chromosomes.
signal patchesThese refer to amino acid residues that are distant to one another in the primary sequence of the protein but come close to each other in three dimensional space, when the protein is properly folded
mantleA heavy fold of tissue in mollusks that drapes over the visceral mass and may secrete a shell.
acetyl coaThe entry compound for the Krebs cycle in cellular respiration; formed from a fragment of pyruvate attached to a coenzyme.
subsea permafrostForm of permafrost that exists beneath the sea in ocean sediments.
overturned foldA fold in rock layers where one limb is pushed past the perpendicular
xeroderma pigmentosum(XP)
continental riseThick layers of sediment found between the continental slope the ocean floor.
platformHorizontal sedimentary deposits found on top of continental shield deposits.
scientific methodthe approach taken by scientists to make observations of and theories about the world around them, and beyond
atomThe smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
proteinA large, complex molecule
endoplasmic reticulumA system of membranes forming tubular compartments that permeate the cytoplasm
in vivoStudies carried out in living organisms.
epitopeBinding site
spatial traditionAcademic tradition in modern Geography that investigates geographic phenomena from a strictly spatial perspective.
mendelian characteristicTraits for which the phenotypic expression is controlled by relatively few loci segregating in a Mendelian fashion.
filtrationThe extraction of water and small solutes, including metabolic wastes, from the body fluid into the excretory system
transformation  A general term meaning to change from one form to another.  It is often used in genetics to refer to a change in phenotype that results from, or possibly results from, a change in genotype
caldera volcanoExplosive type of volcano that leaves a large circular depression
parasiteAn organism that lives at the expense of another, usually invading it and causing disease.
point barStream bar deposit that is normally located on the inside of a channel bend.
high field nmrA high-resolution NMR method based on higher field magnets that enables the analysis of large molecules.
transpositionThe movement of a discrete segment of DNA from one location in the genome to another.
cancerA disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of cells.
orogenyThe process of mountain building.
kingdomTop most level of the common system used to classify life
water tableTop surface of groundwater.
epibenthicrelates to the area on top of the sea floor
base substitution mutationA mutation resulting in the replacement of one base for a different base.
dagDirected Acyclic Graph (DAG) refers to a way of arranging objects based on their relationships and allows a child to have multiple parents.
futile cycleA metabolic cycle that converts energy to heat.
heteromorphicHomologous chromosomes that differ in morphology.
endorphinA hormone produced in the brain and anterior pituitary that inhibits pain perception.
bovine serum albuminProtein fraction of serum isolated from the bovine family (i.e
benthosThe plant and animal organisms that live on the sea floor
isotopeForm of an element where the number of neutrons in its atomic nucleus is different than the number of protons.
polycation conjugateA macromolecule with multiple positive charges conjugated to a protein that binds a cell receptor
bufferA substance that consists of acid and base forms in a solution and that minimizes changes in pH when extraneous acids or bases are added to the solution.
ice agePeriod of time when glaciers dominate the landscape of the Earth
parsingThe use of algorithms to analyze data into components.
ribonomeThe entire collection of RNA molecules in the cell and organism at any one moment, along with the diverse proteins that associate with them.
saltA compound resulting from the formation of an ionic bond; also called an ionic compound.
inborn error of metabolismA congenital condition which results from a change in a gene which causes a deficiency in the presence or activity of particular enzymes important for the functioning of the body's metabolism.
elastic waveAn energy wave that causes elastic deformation in a material without its structure and shape being deformed.
base flowRate of discharge in a stream where only the throughflow and groundwater flow from subsurface aquifers contribute to the overall flow.
eicosanoidA class of lipids, including prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, that act in autocrine and paracrine signaling.
true-to-typeApplied to a plant or propagation source, this term denotes correct cultivar identification and lack of variation in productivity or performance
lungsThe invaginated respiratory surfaces of terrestrial vertebrates, land snails, and spiders that connect to the atmosphere by narrow tubes.
chiral compoundA compound that can exist in two forms that are non-superimposable images of one another.
algorithmA logical process by which a problem can be solved.
condensationThe change in state of matter from vapor to liquid that occurs with cooling
virulentA term describing a pathogen against which a plant has little specific defense.
stamenThe male, pollen-bearing organ of the flower.
zonalMovement of wind or ocean waters in a direction that is roughly parallel to the lines of latitude.
synchrotronResearch facility that accelerates charged particles and uses an increasing magnetic field to keep the particles in a circular path
nitric oxideA gas produced by many types of cells that functions as a local regulator, a neurotransmitter, and an antibacterial agent.
neural plateThickened strip of ectoderm in early vertebrate embryos that forms along the dorsal side of the body and gives rise to the central nervous system.
glycopeptideA protein with covently bound carbohydrates.
matrixThe nonliving component of connective tissue, consisting of a web of fibers embedded in homogeneous ground substance that may be liquid, jellylike, or solid.
bioremediationthe use of biological systems, usually microorganisms, to decompose or sequester toxic and unwanted substances in the environment.
hydrostatic pressureForce caused by water under pressure.
out-of-range resultThis result means that the screening test did show signs that the individual may be at higher risk of having one or more conditions.
ribosylationThe addition of a ribosyl residue.
gabbroAn intrusive igneous rock that develops from mafic magma and whose mineral crystals are coarse
phageSee bacteriophage.
lower mantleLayer of the Earth's interior extending from 670 to 2,900 kilometers below the surface crust
fluorescence immunoassayAn assay technique based on a fluorescent-labeled antigen.
cytotoxic t cellA type of lymphocyte that, when activated, kills infected cells, cancer cells, and transplanted cells.
open talikIs a form of localized unfrozen ground (talik) in an area of permafrost
metabolic engineeringOptimizing genetic and regulatory processes within cells to increase the cells' production of a certain substance.
pioneer drugthe patented version of a drug
nonpolar covalent bondA type of covalent bond in which electrons are shared equally between two atoms of similar electronegativity.
chi-square testStatistical procedure used to test degree of association or agreement between observed results and those results expected based on the hypothesis being tested.
protoplast fusionTechnique involving the merger of two cell types into a single cell.
plasmogamyThe fusion of two protoplasts.
systemA more complex organization formed from a combination of components.
bh4 deficiencySee tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency
oestrogensa family of steroid-based hormones which regulate reproductive and related processes in females
oxidizing agentThe electron acceptor in a redox reaction.
allergenSymptoms may include respiratory distress and low blood pressure
pregnancy rateThe percentage of females exposed (inseminated or receiving an embryo) that sustain the development of a fetus.
enrichmentA condition which increases the proportion of a particular organism or mutant strain from a mixed population
photosynthesisThe biosynthesis that directly harnesses the chemical energy resulting from the absorption of light
pandemicdisease that has spread worldwide.
performance testObtaining a phenotypic measure on an individual for the purpose of assessing its genetic merit.
polar stratospheric cloudsHigh altitude clouds found in the stratosphere where the temperature is less than -85° Celsius
classA taxonomic category in Linnaean biological classification
pinType of distylic flower possessing a long style and short anthers.
predictive gene teststests to identify gene abnormalities that may make a person susceptible to certain diseases or disorders.
daltonA unit of mass equivalent to the mass of a hydrogen atom (1.66 x 10-24 g)
apoptosisProgrammed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells
stable atmosphereCondition in the atmosphere where isolated air parcels have a tendency to sink
evolutionof the many meanings of this word, three are used here: (1) change over time; the fact that most of the organisms alive today are different from organisms that existed in the past; (2) universal common descent; the hypothesis that all organisms are modified descendants of a single common ancestor in the distant past; (3) the mechanisms of biological change; the hypothesis that natural selection acting on random variations has been the principal cause of modification.
dynamic stability hypothesisThe idea that long food chains are less stable than short chains.
kaoliniteA type of clay that is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions
leukemiaA group of neoplastic diseases of leukocytes, often resulting in proliferation of leukocytes.
geneticsThe study of genes and how they are inherited
bogA habitat that consists of waterlogged spongy ground
magnetic reversalA reversal of the polarity of Earth's magnetic field.
cationAn ion carrying a positive atomic charge.
recurrence intervalThe average time period that separates natural events of a specific magnitude
product ruleThe probability of two independent events occurring simultaneously is the product of the individual probabilities
mitochondriaSince it is normally inherited only from mothers, an offspring's mtDNA will be identical to its mother's, unless a mutation has occurred.
renal arteryThe blood vessel bringing blood to the kidney
neocortexIn the mammalian brain, the outermost region of the cerebral cortex.
carcinomaAny of the various types of cancerous tumors that form in the epithelial tissues, the tissue forming the outer layer of the body surface and lining the digestive tract and other hollow structures
bud(1) In plants, an embryonic shoot, including rudimentary leaves, often protected by special bud scales
cloningProcess of growing a large number of genetically identical cells from a single cell.
pathogenA disease-causing agent.
family treeA record of members of a family and their relationships.
nuclear energyEnergy released when the nucleus of an atom experiences a nuclear reaction like the spontaneous emission of radioactivity, nuclear fission, or nuclear fusion.
genetic competenceConjugaison : Transfert naturel d'ADN plasmidique ou chromosomique d'une cellule bactérienne à une autre par l'intermédiaire d'un pont cytoplasmique
positive assortative matingMating of Individuals with like phenotypes.
receptor potentialAn initial response of a receptor cell to a stimulus, consisting of a change in voltage across the receptor membrane proportional to the stimulus strength
tank bioreactorVessel in which fermentation takes place
riffleBar deposit found on the bed of streams
pheThe shortened name for phenylalanine.
mixotrophicUsed in reference to organisms which use a mixture of nutritional strategies, such as organisms with chloroplasts and carry out photosynthesis but are also able to feed by phagocytosis.
isomorphic generationsAlternating generations in which the sporophytes and gametophytes look alike, although they differ in chromosome number.
temperate grasslandA terrestrial biome dominated by grasses and forbs.
lateral moraineMoraine that is found along the sides of a glacier
lligasean enzyme that functions in DNA repair.
bacteriophageA virus that infects bacteria; also called a phage.
mineralocorticoidA steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland that acts on the kidney to regulate salt and water balance.
viviparousReferring to a type of development in which the young are born alive after having been nourished in the uterus by blood from the placenta.
equilibrium potentialThe magnitude of a cell's membrane voltage at equilibrium; calculated using the Nernst equation
bootstrapA statistical method for measuring consistency in datasets in which new simulated datasets are generated by sampling with replacement
interstitial cellA connective tissue cell.
hepatic portal veinA large circulatory channel that conveys nutrient-laden blood from the small intestine to the liver, which regulates the blood's nutrient content.
inheritance of acquired characteristicsTransmission of characteristics acquired during an organism’s lifetime to its offspring
successionDirectional cumulative change in the types plant species that occupy a given area, through time.
hydrophilicHaving the ability to readily interact with water.
dependent variableIn an experiment, the dependent variable is the factor that responds when another factor is manipulated.
defined mediumA bacterial growth medium in which all the components are known
surrogate motherFemale in whom an embryo is artificially implanted to be carried to term
extinctNo longer living anywhere.
tropical cycloneAnother name for hurricane.
dna probeAfter gel electrophoresis, the gel is placed on wet filterpaper
gene therapyTreatment that consists of introducing into a patient a normal copy of one or more defective genes responsible for the patient's disease
phloemVascular plant tissue consisting of living cells arranged into elongated tubes that transport sugar and other organic nutrients throughout the plant.
varianceA measure of the spread of a distribution about its average value.
circularly permuted dnaA population of linear DNA molecules produced as if by breaking open circular molecules at different points.
populationA group of individuals of one species that live in a particular geographic area.
sbtSee shifting balance theory.
metabolomicsMetabolomics is the scientific study of chemical processes involving metabolites
microclimateVery fine scale variations of climate, such as the specific climatic conditions underneath a log.
gene redundancyMultiple copies of a single gene.
freefloatProportion of a company's listed shares that is freely available for trading
mossAbout 9,500 species of plants that belong to the division bryophyta
fault planeThe plane that represents the fracture surface of a fault.
hygroscopicSubstances that have the ability to absorb water and therefore accelerate the condensation process.
intermittent streamA stream that flows only for short periods over a year
alimentary canalA digestive tract consisting of a tube running between a mouth and an anus.
transGenes located on different DNA molecules present in the same cell (the opposite of cis)
atomic nucleus  The central core of an atom.  The nucleus consists of protons and, with the exception of the common form of hydrogen, neutrons.
allometryChange in proportions with body size
neutralHaving no effect on fitness.
oxygenA common element in organic and living organisms.
theoryAn explanation that is broad in scope, generates new hypotheses, and is supported by a large body of evidence.
quadrata sampling unit used to measure the number of individuals within a specific area.
remote sensorMechanical devices used to remotely sense an object or phenomenon.
driftSee random genetic drift.
mitoplastThe mitochondrial inner membrane and matrix.
ti plasmidA plasmid used for gene transfer in plants.
sarcomaa type of cancer that starts in bone or muscle.
solubility pumpSystem of physical processes [e.g., changes in water temperature, ocean circulation, and gradient of carbon dioxide (CO2) spanning the ocean depth] that influences the ocean's uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere
rapid-start complexThe complex that RNA polymerase forms at the promoter site just before initiation.
in vitroStudies performed outside a living organism such as in a laboratory.
familythe level of biological classification above a genus and below an order.
bioremediationThe use of biological organisms such as plants or microbes to aid in removing hazardous substances from an area.
predatorConsumer organism who feeds on prey
chaperoneA molecule that assists in the folding or assembly of other molecules or complexes without itself becoming a part of the end product.
transmissionThe conduction of impulses to the central nervous system.
general recombinationThe common cellular mechanism for genetic recombination between DNA molecules with identical or near identical (homologous) nucleotide sequences
expressed geneSee: gene expression
magma plumeA rising vertical mass of magma originating from the mantle.
germinateSeeds starting to grow by putting out shoots and roots (can also apply to fungi).
tussockA tuft or clump of grass or other vegetation.
infertileIncapable of initiating, sustaining, or supporting reproduction
lysisDisruption of cells with release of the contents.
cytokineA member of a family of proteins released by cells that act on other cells through specific receptors
kilocalorieA thousand calories; the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1°C.
paleontologythe scientific study of fossils and their use to reconstruct the history of life.
trace evidencePhysical evidence that results from the transfer of small quantities of materials (e.g., hair, textile fibers, paint chips, glass fragments, gunshot residue particles).
bottleneckSee population bottleneck.
exploitationForm of competition where the indirect effects of the two or more species or individuals reduce the supply of the limiting resource or resources needed for survival.
neoproterozoicDivision of time from 1000 Mya to the base of the Cambrian at 542 Mya.
phytoplanktonFree-floating, microscopic photosynthetic organisms (e.g., algae, cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates found in the surface layers of marine and freshwater environments).
oceanic plateA rigid, independent segment of the lithosphere composed of mainly basalt that floats on the viscous plastic asthenosphere and moves over the surface of the Earth
monocotyledonFlowering plants that have one seed leaf that emerges after germination.
evaporation fogA type of fog produced from the advection of cold air over warm water or warm or moist land
nonmatchAn individual is eliminated as the source of a biological sample
dystonianeurologic condition involving repeated twisting and movement
consanguinityRelationship between two individuals with a common ancestor, for example, first cousins.
allergenAny substance that causes an allergy.
tolerance model of successionThis model of succession suggests that the change in plant species dominance over time is caused by competition for resources
chi-square distributionThe distribution of the sum of squares of a number n of normally distributed variables; written as .
cell lineCells that grow and divide indefinitely outside the body, and are originally derived from one specific cell.
co-optionthe use of an existing biological structure or feature for a new function; also called exaptation.
fluorescence energy transferTransfer of energy between two fluorophors.
entisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
retinitis pigmentosagroup of hereditary ocular disorders with progressive retinal degeneration
gold standardBest and most reliable method or technology currently available; industry standard
niche specializationProcess where evolution, through natural selection, adapts a species to a particular set of abiotic and biotic characteristics within a habitat.
polymorphonuclear granulocytesA collective name for neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils.
foldingThe deformation of rock layers because of compressive forces to form folds.
tooth crownThe part of the tooth exposed above the gum line, usually covered with enamel.
electronA particle with a single negative charge; one or more electrons orbit the nucleus of the atom.
heterotrophAn organism that requires preformed organic compounds for growth.
shield volcanoVolcano created from alternate layers of lava flows
pingoA large conical mound that contains an ice core
multiplexingA sequencing approach that uses several pooled samples simultaneously, greatly increasing sequencing speed.
torrAn obsolete unit of pressure equal to that exerted by a column of mercury 1mm high at 0°C and standard gravity (1mm Hg); named after Evangelista Torricelli (1608-1647), the inventor of the mercury barometer
adaptationThe change in the response of a system over time; functional or structural changes that allow an organism to respond to changes in the environment.
rotational slipForm of mass movement where material moves suddenly along a curvilinear plane
recombineeringA term coined by Don Court to describe a method for vector construction based on homologous recombination in E
von hippel-lindau syndromean autosomal dominant condition characterized by the anomalous growth and proliferation of blood vessels on the retina of the eye and the cerebellum of the brain; cysts and cancers in the kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
adaptive radiationDiversification of a single lineage into species that exploit diverse ecological niches.
toxicityNegative effect of a compound, as shown by altered morphology or physiology
silcretesSedimentary rock created by the chemical precipitation of silica.
macrophage-colony stimulating factorA growth factor that stimulates macrophage colonies.
oncologyStudy of tumours.
total column ozoneA measurement of ozone concentration in the atmosphere.
lead compoundin pre-clinical trials and clinical trials, a potential drug being tested for safety and efficacy.
pinocytosisA process of ingesting material by enclosing it with a membrane
nitrogen cycleWorldwide circulation and reutilization of nitrogen atoms, chiefly due to metabolic processes of living organisms; plants take up inorganic nitrogen and convert it into organic compounds (chiefly proteins), which are assimilated into the bodies of one or more animals; bacterial and fungal action on nitrogenous waste products and dead organisms return nitrogen atoms to the inorganic state.
seepage lakeA lake that gets its water primarily from the seepage of groundwater.
amoebaA single-celled eukaryote that has no fixed shape
phospholipid transfer proteinA protein that transports phospholipid molecules between cell membranes.
quantalDescribes a biological system capable of only two responses.
systolic pressureThe pressure in an artery during the ventricular contraction phase of the heart cycle.
planktonMostly microscopic organisms that drift passively or swim weakly near the surface of oceans, ponds, and lakes.
herbicideA substance that kills plants
myastheniaMuscle weakness or lack of strength
thermal infrared radiationForm of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 3 to 14 micrometers (µm).
convectional precipitationIs the formation of precipitation due to surface heating of the air at the ground surface
fungusOne of the achlorophyllous thallophytes whose somatic structures are usually filamentous and branched
pistilA single carpel or a group of fused carpels.
quatitative pcrSometimes referred to in forensic science as real-time PCR
sensible heatHeat that can be measured by a thermometer and thus sensed by humans.
dhapDihydroxyacetone phosphate.
drug deliverythe process by which a formulated drug is administered to the patient.
domainA taxonomic category above the kingdom level; the three domains are Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.
precambrianAll geologic time prior to the Cambrian Period.
round windowThe point of contact between the stapes and the cochlea
stem cellA progenitor blood cell made in the bone marrow that can give rise to all the cells of the blood and immune system, including red blood cells, white cells to fight infection, and platelets for clotting.
mcf-7 cellsa line of oestrogen dependent human breast cancer cells.
metabolic flux analysisMethod for measuring all the metabolic fluxes of an organism's central metabolism; 13C-labeled substrate is taken up by an organism, and the distribution of 13C throughout the metabolic network enables the quantification of labeled metabolite pools.
active immunityImmunity produced by the body in response to stimulation by a disease-causing organism or a vaccine.
variantA dissimilarity in the commonly occuring sequence of a gene.
nematoidNEEM-ə-toid/ (1) threadlike; (2) of or relating to nematodes.
nitrificationThe oxidation of ammonia or ammonium to nitrites and nitrates, as by nitrifying bacteria.
parallelA line parallel to the equator and connecting all places of the same latitude.
nephronThe tubular excretory unit of the vertebrate kidney.
conidiumA spore formed asexually, usually at the tip or side of the hypha.
foliationProcess where once randomly distributed platy minerals in a rock become reoriented, because of metamorphism, in a parallel manner.
vas deferens  See ductus deferens.
bronchioleOne of the fine branches of the bronchus that transport air to alveoli.
mutation rateCharacteristic rate for which one allele mutates to an alternate form.
f2  The second filial generation, ordinarily produced by intercrossing the F1 generation among themselves.
carotenoidsLipid-soluble pigments that are made from isoprene units.
sandstoneA type of sedimentary rock that contains a large quantity of weathered quartz grains.
haploidCell that contains only one set of chromosomes
high throughputDone on a massive, automated scale.
schlerenchymaTissue composed of thick-walled cells containing lignin for strength and support.
lycopsidSee lycopod.
ground tissue systemA tissue of mostly parenchyma cells that makes up the bulk of a young plant and fills the space between the dermal and vascular tissue systems.
chromosome region qA designation for the long arm of a chromosome.
average effectThe effect of an allele on a quantitative trait as estimated by regression
nematodeMember of a major phylum within the Ecdysozoa of very diverse and abundant worm-like animals, including the round worms and thread worms (phylum Nemata).
detritusRemnants of biological material.
sphincterA ringlike valve, consist, ing of modified muscles in a muscular tube, such as a digestive tract; closes off the tube like a drawstring.
acid phosphataseAn enzyme found in high concentration in semen.
genetic discriminationPrejudice against those who have or are likely to develop an inherited disorder.
immunoglobulinGeneral name for proteins that function as antibodies
plasticityThe ability to develop or adapt in response to the environment.
interstitial fluidExtracellular fluid.
radioisotopeUnstable isotope of an element that releases radiation as it decays to a stable form.
ice lenseHorizontal accumulation of permanently frozen ground ice.
microsequenatorA device for sequencing small amounts of sample.
prohormoneAn peptide hormone that is inactive until proteolytic cleavage.
backcrossMating of F1's (first filial generation individuals) to individuals from either parental strains.
pericentric inversionInversion containing the centromere in the inverted segment.
blindingIn a scientific experiment, a blind is where some of the people involved are prevented from knowing certain information that might lead to conscious or subconscious bias on their part, making the results not completely accurate.
endorphinA neuropeptide that acts as a natural analgesic.
phylogenyThe classification of organisms according to evolutionary criteria.
rightsEntitlements
barchan duneCrescent shaped sand dune that has its long axis transverse to the wind and its crescent tips pointed downwind.
negative dominanceA gene product that inhibits the function of another gene product.
obsidianGlassy dark colored volcanic rock
pathogenicityThe ability to cause disease.
interstitial cells  In general, cells located between other structures
lycopodMember of a group of plants that includes giant trees in the Carboniferous coal swamp forests and the living club mosses.
e. coliCommon bacterium that geneticists have studied intensively because of its small genome size, normal lack of pathogenicity, and ease of growth in the laboratory.
bacillusrod-shaped bacteria.
codisAcronym for Combined DNA Index System
biological processOne of the three categories used by the Gene Ontology project, biological process describes broad biological goals, such as mitosis or purine metabolism.
geneOriginally defined as the physical unit of heredity but the meaning has changed with increasing knowledge
hydrogenA common element in organic and living organisms.
antigenA substance that interacts with an antibody.
true northDirection of the North Pole from an observer on the Earth.
pharynxAn area in the vertebrate throat where air and food passages cross; in flatworms, the muscular tube that protrudes from the ventral side of the worm and ends in the mouth.
organismA living thing which contains DNA and is capable of cell replication by itself, for example, bacteria, plants and animals.
yeast episomal plasmidA yeast vector carrying the 2 µm circle origin of replication.
cccAn abbreviation for "circular, covalently closed" DNA molecules.
bundle sheathA protective covering around a leaf vein, consisting of one or more cell layers, usually parenchyma.
fungiGroup, at the kingdom level, in the classification of life
hybridomaThe cell produced by fusing two cells of different origin
transpirationTranspiration is the process of water loss from plants through stomata
desorptionRemoval of a substance in the reverse of absorption or adsorption.
earth albedoIs the reflectivity of the Earth's atmosphere and surface combined
sunLuminous star around which the Earth and other planets revolve around
adenosine triphosphateA nucleotide that releases energy upon hydrolysis of the phosphate bonds
gneissA metamorphosed coarse grained igneous rock
prisoner’s dilemmaA game in which both players have a lower fitness when they play the ESS than when they both play the alternative.
central limit theoremA theorem that states that the sum of a large number of independent variables tends toward a normal distribution.
cirrhosisIrreversible scarring of the liver that may occur with chronic hepatitis.
light chainThe shorter of the two protein chains that comprise antibodies.
black bodyIs a body that emits electromagnetic radiation, at any temperature, at the maximum possible rate per unit surface area
regression equationEquation using regression to predict the value of a dependent variable from a known value of the independent variable.
liposomeA synthetic lipid bilayer vesicle that fuses with the outer cell membrane and is used to transport small molecules into cells.
double helixA structure in which two helically-twisted polynucleotide strands are held together by hydrogen bonding and base stacking.
lambdoidA group of phage that are related to the E
mistralTerm used to describe a katabatic wind in southern France.
book lungsOrgans of gas exchange in spiders, consisting of stacked plates contained in an internal chamber.
colonialCondition in which many unicellular organisms live together in a somewhat coordinated group
punishmentWhere individuals who behave in ways that reduce others’ fitness are made to suffer reduced fitness as a result.
cation exchangeA process in which positively charged minerals are made available to a plant when hydrogen ions in the soil displace mineral ions from the clay particles.
radioisotope datingSee radiometric dating.
oligomerA molecule containing a small number of covalently linked units; a multisubunit protein.
neuromodulatorA chemical agent that is released by a neuron and diffuses through a local region of the central nervous system, acting on neurons within that region; generally has the effect of modulating the response to neurotransmitters.
hypertonicIn comparing two solutions, referring to the one with a greater solute concentration.
maskA method for identifying which positions in a multiple sequence alignment to use for phylogenetic reconstruction.
gametophyteIn plants, the haploid structure that produces gametes
bering land bridgeAn expanse of land that connected North America and Asia
follicle-stimulating hormoneA tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the production of eggs by the ovaries and sperm by the testes
enzymeA protein that acts as a catalyst, speeding the rate at which a biochemical reaction proceeds but not altering the direction or nature of the reaction.
electromagnetic spectrumThe entire spectrum of radiation; ranges in wavelength from less than a nanometer to more than a kilometer.
alternation of generationsA life cycle in which there is both a multicellular diploid form, the sporophyte, and a multicellular haploid form, the gametophyte; characteristic of plants and some algae.
salting outThe decrease in protein solubility that occurs when salts such as ammonium sulfate are present at high concentrations.
allergic reactionAn inflammatory response triggered by a weak antigen (an allergen) to which most individuals do not react; involves the release of large amounts of histamine from mast cells.
muscle fiberA large cell of skeletal muscle, formed by the fusion of many individual cells during development.
organismAny form of life.
tectonic plateslabs of the earth's rigid lithosphere, which move independently on top of the asthenosphere
cladisticsThe analysis of how species may be grouped into clades.
endothermicReferring to organisms with bodies that are warmed by heat generated by metabolism
bioremediationThe use of living organisms to detoxify and restore polluted and degraded ecosystems.
electrochemical gradientA difference in chemical concentration and electric potential across a membrane.
hybrid antibodyAn immunoglobulin produced by fusing hybridomas producing two different antibodies, resulting in the production of a third, heterophile antibody.
secondary antibodyAn antibody that recognizes and binds a primary antibody
mesozoicThe geologic era that spans the length of time between the Paleozoic and Cenozoic eras, roughly 252-65.5 million years ago
copepodA type of microscopic marine and freshwater crustacean that has an elongated body and a forked tail.
mutatedcan foster the growth of cancer.
complete hydatidiform mole  An abnormal pregnancy in which the implanted "embryo" consists only of placental-type structures
hyphaThe unit of structure of the fungi; a tubular filament.
protozoaSingle-celled, eukaryotic microorganisms that use cellular appendages called flagella to propel them through their environments.
social workerA trained professional who provides social services to those in need.
cellsand the cells of transplanted organs.
rift valleySteep sided valley found on the Earth's surface created by tectonic rifting.
alpha helixA spiral shape constituting one form of the secondary structure of proteins, arising from a specific hydrogen-bonding structure.
rodentAny member of the mammalian order Rodentia
bacteriophageA virus that infects bacterial hosts, and may be utilized to introduce genes
sorusA cluster of sporangia on a fern sporophyll
recombinant dna moleculesA combination of DNA molecules of different origin that are joined using recombinant DNA technologies.
analoguea compound with a chemical structure similar to another compound.
bacteriophagea virus whose host is a bacterium; commonly called phage.
orphan drugA drug that treats a rare disease.
bionucleonicsThe study of the application of isotopes to living systems.
semenSeminal fluids plus sperm from the male reproductive system.
epimerOne of two stereoisomers that differ in configuration at one chiral center.
transformation1
climateAverage weather conditions over a time period, usually several decades
nucleocytoplasmicRelating the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
telophase  The final phase of nuclear division
insecticide resistancethe engineering, development or selection of heritable traits in an insect population to allow individual plants to express the trait and survive the presence of an insecticide
hypertoniaIncreased muscle tone
acid chymeA mixture of recently swallowed food and gastric juice.
chromogenic substrateA substrate that changes color when modified by a specific enzyme.
astrocytomaA tumor arising from astrocytes, glial cells found in the brain.
memory cellA clone of long-lived lymphocytes, formed during the primary immune response, that remains in a lymph node until activated by exposure to the same antigen that triggered its formation
nitric oxideA gas produced by bacterial action in the soil and by high temperature combustion
periodic tableTable that describes some of the chemical properties of the known elements.
ectothermAn animal, such as a reptile (other than birds), fish, or amphibian, that must use environmental energy and behavioral adaptations to regulate its body temperature.
b-dnaThe fully hydrated right-handed helical form of DNA seen in vivo.
teachable momentA learner initiated opportunity to provide instruction.
syndromeA group of signs and symptoms characteristic of a particular disease
animaliaThe kingdom that consists of multicellular eukaryotes that ingest their food.
eosinophilA polynucleated granulocyte containing granules filled with hydrolytic enzymes.
tissue cultureProcess of growing some part of a plant or animal on an artificial medium.
nonredundant databaseA database in which redundant entries have been noted and merged.
dominant speciesThose species in a community that have the highest abundance or highest biomass
oxidative stressA situation in which the environment within cells becomes highly "oxidized"-that is, comes to contain reactive, unstable molecules, particularly those of oxygen
lpsLipopolysaccharide
sedimentSolid material that has been or is being eroded, transported, and deposited
liquid chromatographyAn automated method used to separate, identify, and quantify the components of a liquid solution.A sample is carried by a mobile liquid phase through a columnpacked with solid particles that separates each component beforereaching a detector device.
lymphocyte bA type of white blood cell or leukocyte, which produces antibodies in the humoral immune response.
apert syndromea condition caused by the premature closure of the sutures of the skull bones, resulting in an altered head shape, with webbed fingers and toes
electron  A subatomic particle that has a negative electrical charge.  The unit negative charge on one electron is equal to the unit positive charge of one proton.  Electrons occur in shells surrounding the atomic nucleus.  They form the various types of chemical bonds that join atoms.
siliceousIncoporating silica.
sporangiumA capsule in fungi and plants in which meiosis occurs and haploid spores develop.
vein(1) In animals, a vessel that returns blood to the heart
dicotyledonFlowering plants that have two seed leaves that emerge after germination.
lakeA body standing water found on the Earth's continental land masses
cell-free expression systemA mRNA-programmable protein synthesis system.
hydroxyl group  A functional group consisting of the structure –O–H.  It is usually connected covalently to carbon.  A hydroxyl group is hydrophilic and increases the water solubility of the molecule of which it is a part.  If that carbon is connected only to other carbons or to hydrogen, the hydroxyl group is often described as an alcohol.
conodontAny member of a group of worm-like, vertebrate organisms common from the Ordovician to the Triassic
m13A single-stranded bacteriophage vector that is used in the Sanger dideoxy sequencing method.
ray-finned fishMember of the class Actinopterygii, aquatic osteichthyans with fins supported by long, flexible rays, including tuna, bass, and herring.
convectionConvection involves the transfer of heat energy by means of vertical mass motions through a medium.
klenow fragmentThe large fragment of E
consanguineousMarriage or mating among related individuals.
neoantigenA cellular antigen acquired after transformation by an oncogenic virus.
quantitative trait locusThe chromosomal location of one of a set of genes that collectively encode a quantitative trait that varies continuously across a population.
riskUsed as a term for a danger that arises unpredictably, such as being struck by a car.
cell lineCells that grow and divide indefinitely outside the body, and are originally derived from one cell of a specific type.
active immunityA common example are newborn children, who have antibodies from the maternal circulation
cloning vectora DNA molecule that is capable of autonomous replication within a cloning host cell; e.g
linkageThe tendency of genes located close together on the same DNA molecule to be coinherited
uniformitarianismIs a theory that rejects the idea that catastrophic forces were responsible for the current conditions on the Earth
plasmacytomaA plasma cell tumor.
mhcAbbreviation of major histocompatibility complex.
closed talikIs a form of localized unfrozen ground (talik) in an area of permafrost
bryophyteA moss, liverwort, or hornwort; a nonvascular plant that inhabits the land but lacks many of the terrestrial adaptations of vascular plants.
crassulacean acid metabolismA type of metabolism in which carbon dioxide is taken in at night and incorporated into a variety of organic acids.
diffused solar radiationSolar radiation received by the Earth's atmosphere or surface that has been modified by atmospheric scattering.
nomographA graph that allows a third variable to be measured when the values of two related variables are known.
polygenesThe (hypothetical) many genes affecting a character, each having a small, additive effect on the character.
environmentComposite of all non-genetic factors influencing the phenotypic expression of a trait.
expressionTo "express" a gene is to cause it to function
heat shock proteinA protein synthesized in response to cellular stress, including high temperature
atpAdenosine triphosphate, a molecule playing a central role in the storage and transfer of energy within the cell
siltMineral particle with a size between 0.004 and 0.06 millimeters in diameter
microcarrierNontoxic, finely particulate material used to grow cells in suspension culture.
sarsSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome
transcriptomeAll transcribed mRNAs within a cell.
permeabilityA measure of the ability of soil, sediments, and rock to transport water horizontally and vertically
immunoglobulinSee antibody
inland seaa sea on top of continental crust
canyonSteep-sided valley where depth is considerably greater than width
hlaHuman-leukocyte-antigen system
stipuleOne of a pair of appendages at the base of the leaf stalk.
sampling variationChance differences in statistics describing a set of observations that occurs when repeating the experiment with a new sets of observations.
phagocytea specialist defense cell which removes foreign or damaging agents by engulfing them.
methyl groupA small chemical group with the formula, -CH3
first responderThe initial responding law enforcement officer and/or other public safety official or service provider arriving at the scene prior to the arrival of the investigators in charge.
nitrogen fixationThe reduction of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) to NH3.
in vitroIn a test tube.
clinical validityThe accuracy with which a test identifies or predicts a patient’s clinical status
autogenous regulationRemodelage : Création d'une protéine ayant de nouvelles propriétés par mutagénèse dirigée ou synthèse de gène
callipteridAny member of a group of seed plants with somewhat fern-like foliage that are common in Late Carboniferous and Permian floras.
exa-A prefix indicating 1018; a quintillion.
germ line gene therapyAn experimental process of inserting genes into germ cells or fertilized eggs to cause a genetic change that can be passed on to offspring
ssopSequence-specific oligonucleotide probe
gracileGraceful, slender, and delicate
dextrorotatory/decks-troh-ROTE-tə-tore-ee/ adj
exfoliation domeA physical weathering feature associated with granite that is the result of the erosion of overburden material and pressure-release
protein linkage mapA protein-protein interaction network map.
tissuea group of interconnected cells forming a structure or performing a particular function in a multicellular organism.
tunicateMember of the subphylum Urochordata, sessile marine chordates that lack a backbone.
taxonThe named taxonomic unit at any given level of classification.
thermal highArea of high pressure in the atmosphere caused by the area having warmer temperatures relative to the air around it.
point mutationA change in a gene at a single nucleotide pair.
error prone repairA mechanism for repair of DNA damage that often results in mutations (e.g
elevator pitcha short, typically less than two-minute, summary used to quickly describe a business to investors
olfactory receptorSmell receptor.
bacteria  [Sing
inselbergA German term used to describe a steep-sided hill composed of rock that rises from a pediplain.
biontA single organism.
drainage networkSystem of interconnected stream channels found in a drainage basin.
waterspoutA vortex of rapidly moving air over water that is associated with some thunderstorms.
heterotrophicThe ability of an organism to use an organic molecule as carbon source.
cell membranecell structure that regulates the passage of materials between the cell and its environment; aids in the protection and support of the cell.
conditionsA set of requirements or specifications needed for a learning activity.
gill circulationThe flow of blood through gills.
stream long profileVertical and horizontal profile of the stream
phloemVascular tissue that distributes sugars and nutrients throughout a plant.
soil structureGeneral term that describes how mineral and particles organic matter of are organized and clumped together in a soil.
carboxylic acidA molecule containing a carbon atom attached to a hydroxyl group and to an oxygen atom by a double bond.
salinizationPedogenic process that concentrates salts at or near the soil surface because evapotranspiration greatly exceeds water inputs from precipitation.
response regulatorA regulatory protein that responds to sensor protein of a "two-component" regulatory system
liquefactionTemporary transformation of a soil mass of soil or sediment into a fluid mass
goSee Gene Ontology.
basal cellA relatively undifferentiated cell in an epithelial sheet that forms more specialized cells.
throughfallDescribes the process of precipitation passing through the plant canopy
phenotypeThe outward appearance of the individual
helper cellsT cells that respond to an antigen displayed by a macrophage by stimulating B and T lymphocytes to develop into antibody-producing plasma cells and killer T cells, respectively.
axisAn imaginary line passing through a body or organ around which parts are symmetrically aligned.
antherStructure which produces and releases pollen.
stream loadRefers to the material or sediment carried by a stream
immigrateTo enter into a new habitat.
zooplanktonFree-floating, microscopic animals that drift with water currents.
epicotylIn an angiosperm embryo, the embryonic axis above the point of attachment of the cotyledon(s).
missense mutationThe most common type of mutation, a base-pair substitution in which the new codon makes sense in that it still codes for an amino acid.
frictionResistance between the contact surfaces of two bodies in motion.
pharmaceutical proteinsProteins manufactured for use as drugs.
carcinogenA physical or chemical agent that causes cancer
microorganismsorganisms that cannot be seen by the naked eye and include bacteria, fungi and viruses.
embryo sacThis is the mature female gametophyte
fissionable isotopeIsotope that can undergo nuclear fission when hit by a neutron at the right speed
complement cascadeA precise sequence of events usually triggered by an antigen-antibody complex, in which each component of the complement system is activated in turn.
unspecialisedHaving no specific function.
net primary productivityThe gross primary productivity minus the energy used by the producers for cellular respiration; represents the storage of chemical energy in an ecosystem available to consumers.
mendelGregor Johann Mendel, Austrian Monk, 1822-1884
energyThe capacity to do work by moving matter against an opposing force.
embryoPlant or animal at an early stage of development.
atrioventricular valveA valve in the heart between each atrium and ventricle that prevents a backflow of blood when the ventricles contract.
output traitsTraits produced in genetically modified crops that are beneficial or of direct value to the consumer
fiberA lignified cell type that reinforces the xylem of angiosperms and functions in mechanical support; a slender, tapered sclerenchyma cell that usually occurs in bundles
primary successionA type of ecological succession that occurs in an area where there were originally no organisms.
heterosis/hybrid vigorthe superiority of hybrids.
prostate cancerA disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system.
peristomeThe region of the body around, and external to, the mouth
organelleA structure within a cell that performs a particular function
neurohypophysisSee posterior pituitary.
adenomatous intestinal polypA pre-malignant lesion that is a presumed precursor of colorectal cancer.
exoskeletonA hard encasement on the surface of an animal, such as the shells of mollusks or the cuticles of arthropods, that provides protection and points of attachment for muscles.
deflationProcess where wind erosion creates blowout depressions or deflation hollows by removing and transporting sediment and soil.
sequencingDetermining the order of bases in a length of DNA
biosynthesisSynthesis by a living system.
data cleaningComputational processing to remove noise and artifacts from digital data prior to storage.
generationCohort of individuals born and living at the same time.
animal modelA laboratory animal with a specific disease that researchers experiment with to find out more about the causes of a disease, its diagnosis in humans, and to investigate or trial new treatments or preventative actions
nucleosomesHomeobox A sequence of 180 nucleotides that encodes a 60 amino acid homeodomain, which serves as a DNA-binding domain in one family of transcription factors.
molecular massThe sum of the masses of all the atoms in a molecule; sometimes called molecular weight.
rflpSee restriction fragment length polymorphism.
ereEstrogen Response Element
brainThe master control center in an animal; in vertebrates, the brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system.
adaptation  The concept that organisms become better able to exploit their environment and survive in it over evolutionary time scales
photosynthesisProcess by which plants, algae, and certain types of prokaryotic organisms capture light energy and use it to drive the transfer of electrons from inorganic donors (e.g., water) to carbon dioxide to produce energy-rich carbohydrates.
complexContaining multiple macromolecules in an organized structure
karyogamyThe fusion of two nuclei.
end group analysisThe determination of the terminal residues of a nucleic acid or protein.
hypocotylIn an angiosperm embryo, the embryonic axis below the point of attachment of the cotyledon(s) and above the radicle.
extremophileAn organism that lives in an extreme environment such as ice in Antarctica, Chilean deserts, and thermal vents deep in the ocean
relative humidityThe ratio between the actual amount of water vapor held in the atmosphere compared to the amount required for saturation
classical conditioningA type of associative learning; the association of a normally irrelevant stimulus with a fixed behavioral response.
middle lamellaA thin layer of adhesive extracellular material, primarily pectins, found between the primary walls of adjacent young plant cells.
physical geographyField of knowledge that studies natural features and phenomena on the Earth from a spatial perspective
barrier islandLong, narrow islands of sand and/or gravel that are usually aligned parallel to the shore of some coasts.
dynamic metamorphismForm of metamorphism that causes only the structural alteration of rock through pressure
volcanic neckSee volcanic pipe.
drosophila/drə-SAWF-ə-lə/ A genus of flies commonly used in genetics and cytology experiments; commonly known as fruit flies
atrioventricular valveA valve in the heart between each atrium and ventricle that prevents a backflow of blood when the ventricles contract.
dischargeSee stream discharge.
haplotypeParticular combination of closely linked alleles that tend to be inherited as a unit.
energy levelAny of several different states of potential energy for electrons in an atom.
cuboidalThe cubic shape of a type of epithelial cell.
dna assemblySee genome assembly
variablesQuantities that describe the state of a system and that evolve through time
genetic diseasea disease caused by a genetic mutation.
arteryA vessel that carries blood away from the heart to organs throughout the body.
nucleusThe brain of the cell
meiosisthe doubling of gametic chromosome number.
cyclic electron flowA route of electron flow during the light reactions of photosynthesis that involves only photosystem I and that produces ATP but not NADPH or oxygen.
endocrine systemOne of eleven major body organ systems in animals; a system of glands that works with the nervous system in controlling the activity of internal organs, especially the kidneys, and in coordinating the long-range response to external stimuli.
autotrophicAble to independently acquire a nutrient.
merged featureA chromosomal feature that was once annotated as a distinct entity, but that has now been subsumed by another feature
determinationThe progressive restriction of developmental potential, causing the possible fate of each cell to become more limited as the embryo develops.
natural selectionConventionally (and rather vacuously) defined as the process by which three conditions are supposed to produce evolutionary change: (1) phenotypic variation, (2) differential reproductive success resulting from that variation, and (3) reasonably consistent principles of inheritance of that variation, principles that are at least partially independent of environmental effects.
fermentationA catabolic process that makes a limited amount of ATP from glucose without an electron transport chain and that produces a characteristic end-product, such as ethyl alcohol or lactic acid.
bioinformaticsThe science of managing and analyzing biological data using advanced computing techniques
coinfectionA condition whereby an uninfected individual becomes infected with two or more different infectious agents.
cellSmall, watery, membrane-bound compartment filled with chemicals; the basic subunit of any living thing.
retrogressive successionSuccession where the plant community becomes simplistic and contains fewer species and less biomass over time.
bioticAny living component that affects another organism
coachingEncouraging the learner and providing hints to prompt the learner to recall and succeed in a task.
nucleusSee cell nucleus.
van der waals bondsWeak intermolecular bonds resulting from the attraction between electron-rich regions of one molecule and electron-poor regions of another.
cold seepan area of the continental slope where cold fluids leak into the water column
virusan infectious parasitic organism, which can only replicate in a host cell
herbicidea chemical compound used to kill weeds
microelectromechanical systemsA technology that combines computers with micro-scale sensors, actuators, valves, gears, and mirrors embedded in semiconductor chips.
trimesterIn human development, one of three 3-month-1ong periods of pregnancy.
complete digestive tractA digestive tube that runs between a mouth and an anus; also called alimentary canal
rhumb lineA line of constant compass direction or bearing which crosses the meridians at the same angle
chromosomeStructure composed of DNA and proteins representing the basic hereditary unit
trans configurationSee repulsion.
state assistancePayment given to individuals by government agencies on the basis of need.
macrophage  A white blood cell of the granulocyte series that consumes foreign substances, especially those that have been marked by binding of antibodies.  Macrophages are the scavengers of our bodies, cleaning up the unwanted debris.
panmicticDescribes a population in which every individual has the same chance of mating with every other: in other words, where there is no population structure.
emergency preparednessThe act of being prepared with your medical information in case an emergency event ever occurs.
nonrecurrent mutationMutation that occur only once.
vacuoleA cytosolic membrane-bounded structure containing liquids.
nucellusn(y)oo-CELL-əs/ The central, main portion of the ovule, which contains the embryo sac.
transpirationThe evaporative loss of water from a plant.
john doe warrantA warrant used when crime scene evidence yields a DNA profile but the individual corresponding to the DNA profile is unknown
diarrheaSymptom characterized by an increased number of daily bowel movements and loose and watery stools
molecular medicineThe treatment of injury or disease at the molecular level
acquired immunodeficiency syndromeA life-threatening disease caused by a virus and characterized by breakdown of the body's immune defenses.
catenaneAn interlocked pair of circular structures, such as covalently closed DNA molecules.
precambrianSpan of geologic time that dates from 4.6 billion to 570 million years ago
snow meltConversion of snow into runoff and groundwater flow with the onset of warmer temperatures.
nucleusThe structure in the center of each cell that holds chromosomes.
polarimeterAn instrument for determining the rotation of polarization of light as the light passes through a solution containing an optically-active substance.
vestigial organA structure of marginal, if any, importance to an organism
ichthyologistBiologists who specialize in the study of fish behavior, anatomy, physiology, and evolution.
patterned groundTerm used to describe a number of surface features found in periglacial environments
father of modern geneticsHis controlled experiments with breeding peas in the monastery garden showed that the inheritance of traits follows certain predictable patterns, determined by heritable units we now call genes.
macronutrientA chemical substance that an organism must obtain in relatively large amounts
enantiopureConsisting entirely of one stereoisomer of an enantiomeric compound.
domainA discrete, independantly folded region of a protein
allometric growthThe variation in the relative rates of growth of various parts of the body, which helps shape the organism.
insulinA hormone that promotes the conversion of glucose to glycogen.
dyspepsia/dis-PEP-see-yə/ n
epinephrineA hormone produced as a response to stress; also called adrenaline
kuppfer sellsSpecialized non-motile macrophages in the liver sinusoidal regions.
sulfuric acidAcid with the chemical formula H2SO4.
genotypesThe remaining part of the total variation is environmental
electropherogramThe graphic representation of the separation of molecules by electrophoresis or other means of separation.
dejecta/də-JEK-tə, dee-/ n
tfiieA general transcription factor contributing to the formation of the pre-initiation complex.
harmonic meanAn average defined byIt gives greatest weight to small values
eukaryoteA cell with distinct nucleus, in comparison to prokaryote
insectRelatively small and simple animals that have a rigid external skeleton, three body sections, three pairs of legs, and antennae
normal distributionA common probability distribution displayed by population data
virtual screeningA combinatorial chemistry technique for the computational screening of compounds.
syndromeA group of symptoms and clinical findings that, when found together, make up a particular condition or disease.
gene regulatory networkIntracellular network of regulatory proteins that control the expression of gene subsets involved in particular cellular functions
ordovicianGeologic period that occurred roughly 438 to 505 million years ago
concrete spaceActual geographic space in the real world
life expectancy at birthThe predicted average length of life at birth.
heart attackThe death of cardiac muscle tissue resulting from prolonged blockage of one or more coronary arteries.
prophasethe stage of mitosis characterised by the condensation of the chromosomes, the movement of the centrosomes to opposite ends of the cell and the commencement of the formation of the mitotic spindle.
cladeA taxonomic subgroup with similar traits identified by cladistics.
dacryocystitis/dack-ree-oh-sist-TIGHT-əs/ n
character displacementA phenomenon in which species that live together in the same environment tend to diverge in those characteristics that overlap; exemplified by Darwin's finches.
pathogenA microorganism or other agent that causes disease.
supernatantLiquid portion remaining after centrifugation or precipitation of a sample.
dikaryoticHaving two different and distinct nuclei per cell; found in the fungi
kappa chainOne of the two types of light chains that occur in antibodies.
canopy dripRedirection of a proportion of the rain or snow falling on a plant to the edge of its canopy.
stereoisomersIsomers that are nonsuperimposable mirror images of each other.
excludedTwo samples cannot have come from the same source.
bioinformaticsThe science of managing and analyzing biological data using advanced computing techniques.  This is a particularly important tool for analyzing genomic research data.
branchPortion of an evolutionary tree diagram connecting two nodes.
menstrual flow phaseThat portion of the uterine (menstrual) cycle when menstrual bleeding occurs.
fibrous proteinA protein that aggregates to form filaments and functions as a structural protein.
leafThe main photosynthetic organ of vascular plants.
ductus deferens  The duct that leads from the epididymis and through which spermatozoa pass, joining with secretions of the seminal vesicles to form semen.
great plate count anomalyA phenomenon in which the number of cells from natural environments that can be grown in culture is much less than what can be seen through a microscope
effective population sizeThe size of the ideal Wright–Fisher population that would give the same rate of random drift as the actual population in question.
carpelThe ovule-producing reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary
amhSee anatomically modern human.
biodiversityThe genetic diversity of natural organisms
facultative parasiteAn organism capable of infecting other live or dead organic matter, according to circumstances.
protozoan pl. protozoaA protist that lives primarily by ingesting food, an animal-like mode of nutrition.
extreme halophileA prokaryote that lives in a highly saline environment, such as the Great Salt Lake or the Dead Sea
non-composite transposonA transposible element that is NOT flanked by IS elements.
transductionTransfer of genetic material from one cell to another by means of a virus or phage vector.
comparative genomicsThe study of human genetics by comparisons with model organisms such as mice, the fruit fly, and the bacterium E
continental driftThe gradual movement of the Earth's continents that has occurred over hundreds of millions of years.
mark-recapture methodA sampling technique used to estimate wildlife populations.
antibodyImmunoglobulin produced by lymphoid cells upon exposure to a specific antigen.
gametophyteLife form in the life cycle of a plant which produces the male and female gametes
geostrophic windHorizontal wind in the upper atmosphere that moves parallel to isobars
magnetic declinationThe horizontal angle between true north and magnetic north or true south and magnetic south.
xenotransplantationtransplanting a foreign tissue into another species.
nickA space introduced into a DNA strand by the loss of one or more nucleotides.
metastasisSpread of cancer cells through the blood or lymphatic system to other organ sites.
alzheimer's diseaseAn age-related dementia (mental deterioration) characterized by confusion, memory loss, and other symptoms.
editosomeThe complex that edits RNA transcripts.
stratigraphySubdiscipline of geology that studies sequence, spacing, composition, and spatial distribution of sedimentary deposits and rocks.
organic compoundA chemical comound containing the element carbon and usually synthesized by cells.
countercurrent exchangeThe opposite flow of adjacent fluids that maximizes transfer rates; for example, blood in the gills flows in the opposite direction in which water passes over the gills, maximizing oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide loss,
agaroseA carbohydrate polymer used as a matrix for electrophoresis.
exclusionA DNA test result indicating that an individual is excluded as the source of the DNA evidence
fast tracka process for interacting with the FDA during drug development, intended for drugs to treat serious or life threatening conditions that demonstrate the potential to address an unmet medical need.
map projectionCartographic process used to represent the Earth's three-dimensional surface onto a two-dimension map
generation turnoverTime between parents producing offspring and those offspring reaching reproductive age.
yoctomoleOne septillionth mole; 10-24 mole.
tetrahydrobiopterin responsiveThis term is used to describe people with PKU who have responded positively to treatment with sapropterin in a tetrahydrobiopterin loading test
internodeThe segment of a plant stem between the points where leaves are attached.
microwave radiationForm of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 to 100 centimeters.
transfectionThe introduction of foreign DNA into a host cell
phloemThe food-conducting tissue of a vascular plant.
thermodynamic equilibriumThis type of equilibrium describes a condition in a system where the distribution of mass and energy moves towards maximum entropy.
controlled breedingthe reproduction of desired characteristics.
messenger rnaA type of RNA involved in protein production
hot spotA volcanic area on the surface of the Earth created by a rising plume of magma.
organelleA membrane-bound body in the cytoplasm of a cell.
reciprocal crossesPairs of genetic crosses which in one case DNA from strain #1 is transferred into strain #2 and in the second case the strain #2 is used as a donor to transfer the same region into strain #1
hazardPhenomenon which can cause loss of life, injury, disease, economic loss, or environmental damage.
dorsum/DORE-səm/ adj
flagellaLong, flexible, helical protein structures that extend from the surface of the cell
differential centrifugationA method used to separate the components of cells on the basis of their size and density.
tumorAny abnormal proliferation of cells.
eukaryotean organism whose cells containing membrane-bound organelles (eg
gap junctionA type of intercellular junction in animal cells that allows the passage of material or current between cells.
amino group  A functional group consisting of one nitrogen and two hydrogens: –NH2.  Each H is bound to the N by a single covalent bond, satisfying the valence requirements of N for three bonds and H for one.  Because the nitrogen has unshared electrons in its outer shell, it attracts hydrogen ions, which have no electrons, and forms the structure –NH3+, which has a positive charge.  The ability to bind/neutralize hydrogen ions classifies the amino group as a base or alkaline group.
middle lamellaA region of the plant cell wall that acts as a glue to hold adjacent cells together.
outgroupA species or group of species that is closely related to the group of species being studied, but clearly not as closely related as any study-group members are to each other.
recessional moraineMoraine that is created during a pause in the retreat of a glacier
glaciationA process in which large accumulations of snow and ice (glaciers) advance over the surface of the land or sea.
positive selectionSee directional selection.
solumPart of the soil that is capable of supporting life.
cellulose polysaccharideCompound used to make walls (normally around the outside) of certain types of cell.
kilobaseOne thousand bases in a DNA molecule.
neoplasmnee-ə-PLAZ-əm/ Neoplastic tissue serving no useful function.
game theorySee evolutionary game.
protoplastThe contents of a plant cell exclusive of the cell wall.
voltage-gated ion channelA specialized ion channel that opens or closes in response to changes in membrane potential.
biometryThe application of statistical methods to biology.
rock flourVery finely ground rock fragments that form between the base of a glacier and the underlying bedrock surface.
circadianOf or relating to an approximate 24-hour rhythm.
focusSee earthquake focus.
congenital adrenal hyperplasia  An inherited defect (autosomal recessive) in production of adrenal hormones
phagocytosisA type of endocytosis involving large, particulate substances, accomplished mainly by macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells.
metabolismthe chemical processes that take place in living organisms leading to growth, development, and all other forms of energy transformation.
heliothinaeA subfamily of Noctuidae.
xenotransplantationThe term used to describe any procedure that involves the transplantation of live cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another, including animal-to-human transplantation.
circadian rhythmA physiological cycle of about 24 hours that is present in all eukaryotic organisms and that persists even in the absence of external cues.
genea section of DNA that usually codes for a protein
rhythm methodA form of contraception that relies on refraining from sexual intercourse when conception is most likely to occur; also called natural family planning.
e. coliA common Gram-negative bacterium useful for cloning experiments
epicenterSurface location of an earthquake's focus.
climateThe climate of an area is a description of what the weather is like there
septumOne of the cross-walls that divide a fungal hypha into cells
forensic scienceThe application of science to analyze evidence involved in criminal and civil litigation.
phenotypic fingerprintThe overall biochemical, physiological, and morphological profile of an organism.
pluripotentCells that may still differentiate into various types of specialized tissue in the body.
polymorphsShort for polymorphonuclear leukocytes or granulocytes.
redox coupleAn electron donor and its corresponding oxidized form.
dementiasevere impairment of mental functioning.
biallelicSystem of probability based on beliefs in which the measure of probability is continuously revised as available information changes.
craterCircular depression in the ground surface created by volcanic activity or asteroid impact.
amniocentesisA procedure by which a small amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding a baby in the womb) is drawn out using a needle inserted in to the mother's abdomen
millimeterA unit of measure in the metric system
intraepithelialWithin an epithelial cell layer.
marbleMetamorphic rock created by the recrystallization of calcite and/or dolomite.
normalizationA database refinement process that organizes a database so that results obtained from queries to the database are always unambiguous.
catalytic siteThe site of an enzyme involved in the catalytic process.
receptor mappingThe use of the known 3-D structure of a ligand to predict features of the complementary structure of the receptor
gradualismA view of Earth's history that attributes profound change to the cumulative product of slow but continuous processes.
bagasseThe dry, fibrous residue that remains after the stalks of sugar cane have been crushed and all the juice extracted
mycorrhizaeMutualistic association of a fungus with the root of higher plant
long-branch attractionA phenomenon in phylogenetic analyses when taxa or OTUs that lie at the end of long branches are inferred to be closely related, regardless of their true evolutionary relationships.
chromosomeA thread-like structure, visible in the cell nucleus during metaphase, that carries the hereditary information.
red queenContinual coevolution between two species (e.g., between host and parasite).
ovaryIn flowers, the portion of a carpel in which the egg-containing ovules develop
supercoiled dnaDouble-stranded circular DNA in which either overwinding or underwinding of the duplex makes the circle twist
avesThe vertebrate class of birds, characterized by feathers and other flight adaptations.
genomeall the genetic information necessary to build a living organism
antimutator geneA mutant gene that reduces the rate of mutation.
cardiac outputThe volume of blood pumped per minute by the left ventricle of the heart.
efficacyThe power or ability to produce an effect.
interactomeMolecular interactions of a cell, typically used to describe all protein-protein interactions or those between proteins and other molecules.
canadian highHigh pressure system that develops in winter over central North America.
mollisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
synapsisThe pairing of replicated homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.
shear waveA seismic wave that creates wave-like motion perpendicular to the direction of seismic energy propagation
tissue microarraysArrays consisting of tissue specimen cores.
motilea benthic organism that can move through the sediments of the sea bottom or across the surface of those sediments
negative predictive valueProbability of an individual not having a particular disorder following a negative test, i.e
cardinal pointsThe four main navigational directions (North, East, South, and West) found on a compass or a map.
assayA test to determine the presence, absence or quantity of one or more components of a substance.
phosphoriteA sedimentary rock rich in phosphate.
exponentialGrowing at a constant rate r, so that numbers increase with ert.
codonIn an mRNA, a codon is a sequence of three nucleotides which codes for the incorporation of a specific amino acid into the growing protein
founder effectThe loss of genetic variation and the consequent change in genotype frequencies that occurs when a small number of individuals found a new population
hybridizationInterbreeding of different strains.
native speciesSpecies that normally exists and reproduces in a specific region of the Earth
phageA virus for which the natural host is a bacterial cell.
replicationReproduction or duplication, as of an exact copy of a strand of DNA.
anaerobicThe absence of oxygen
host racesGenetically distinct populations that specialize on different hosts.
covalentlyThe attachments are to specific amino acids at specific sites in the polypeptide chain, and attachment occurs after translation
homoplasyA similarity of traits that is not due to homology but instead to convergence or parallel evolution.
variationone or more differences among individual organisms in the same species.
wave refractionThe re-orientation of a wave so that it approaches a shoreline at a more perpendicular angle
body waveType of seismic wave that travels through the interior of Earth.
active transportThe transport of molecules in an energetically unfavorable direction across a membrane coupled to the hydrolysis of ATP or other source of energy.
thunderstormA storm several kilometers in diameter created by the rapid lifting of moist warm air which creates a cumulonimbus cloud
plasmogamyThe fusion of the cytoplasm of cells from two individuals; occurs as one stage of syngamy.
microbial insecticideA pathogenic microorganism or its products (toxins, etc.) used to suppress an insect population
detritivoreAn organism that feeds on dead organic debris.
nickA single-strand break, involving the absence of one or more nucleotides, in a double-stranded DNA molecule
ionizing radiationRadiation consisting of high-energy particles that can strip electrons from atoms, thereby changing their chemical reactivity, which in turn can cause biological damage.
phenologyStudy of recurring biological phenomena.
variantPhenotype that is different from the wild type or standard.
complex inheritancePatterns of inheritance that differ from the ‘traditional' (Mendelian) patterns of inheritance in that they require multiple factors (either genetic or environmental) for the condition to develop.
shrubA woody plant species that is smaller than a tree
locationA term used in geography that deals with the relative and absolution spatial position of natural and human-made phenomena.
herbA nonwoody angiosperm whose above ground vegetation dies off seasonally.
prognosisprediction of the course and probable outcome of a disease.
climap projectMultiuniversity research project that reconstructed the Earth's climate for the last million years by examining proxy data from ocean sediment cores.
foot wallThe bottommost surface of an inclined fault.
terminator codonSee stop codon.
optic chiasmThe arrangement of the nerve tracts of the eye such that the visual sensations from the left visual field of both eyes are transmitted to the right side of the brain and the sensations from the right visual field of both eyes are transmitted to the left side of the brain.
hypotonicIn comparing two solutions, referring to the one with a lower solute concentration.
pericarpThe thickened wall of a fruit.
okt3A monoclonal antibody that targets mature T cells.
electroporationThe introduction of DNA into cells by exposure to a brief electric pulse.
mammalGroup of warm blooded vertebrate animals
ectodermThe outer of the three embryonic germ layers
antibodyAn antibody which has the ability to attach itself onto the membrane of certain cells, a property which gives these cells a specific activity against an antigen.
variant pkuThis is usually used to describe patients with PKU who have some residual activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase
hermaphrodite1
molecular weight  The sum of the mass of all the atoms in a molecule.
small nuclear rnaA nuclear RNA ranging in size from 50 to 200 bases.
cardiovascular diseaseDiseases of the heart and blood vessels.
cascadeA series of events that result in transmission and usually amplification of a weak signal.
sillHorizontal planes of igneous rock that run parallel to the grain of the original rock deposits.They form when magma enters and cools in bedding planes found within the crust
diatomA unicellular photosynthetic alga with a unique, glassy cell wall containing silica.
acedbAceDB was the database software previously used by SGD before the move to an ORACLE relational database
technology transferthe transfer of discoveries made by basic research institutions, such as universities and government laboratories, to the commercial sector for development into useful products and services.
triploidRefers to cells of organisms that have three sets of the basic haploid complement of chromosomes.
amniocytecells obtained by amniocentesis.
populationThe total number of individuals of a particular species in a particular, defined, locality or region.
protein-coding rnaRNA capable of producing protein via translation
chloroplastsconvert light/food into usable energy
glutamateA neurotransmitter
dna repairMechanism which corrects the nucleotide sequence of a DNA molecule that has undergone mutations, or has had its nucleotide sequence altered.
pigmentationColoration or discoloration by formation or deposition of pigment in the tissues
bipapBi-level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-Pap) is form of noninvasive ventilation respiratory support providing oxygen and pressure to the lungs to make it easier for a patient to breathe.  With BiPAP therapy, there are two different pressure settings for the patient
gas hydrateFrozen deposits rich in hydrocarbons that occur in the deep ocean basins.
testosteronea class of masculinizing hormones
glacial upliftUpward movement of the Earth's crust following isostatic depression from the weight of the continental glaciers.
tissue cultureThe separation of cells from each other and their growth in a container of liquid nutrients.
tracheal systemA gas exchange system of branched, chitin-lined tubes that infiltrate the body and carry oxygen directly to cells in insects.
malignantInvasive, capable of metastasis.
sustainable agricultureLong-term productive farming methods that are environmentally safe.
diabetesA grouping of diseases in which either the body does not synthesise (make) insulin, or its tissues are insensitive to the insulin that is synthesised.
join point.The site where two DNA molecules are connected
pedigreeA family tree describing the occurrence of heritable characters in parents and offspring across as many generations as possible.
blood pressureThe hydrostatic force that blood exerts against the wall of a vessel.
eolianGeomorphic process involving wind
ciliashort, cylindrical projections on living cells that typically function in locomotion.
physiologyThe study of the functions of an organism.
gaucher's diseaseA genetic disease that affects fat metabolism.
autogenous regulationThe gene product that controls its own expression
gameteRefers to the sperm cells in males and the egg cells in females.
leveeRidge of coarse deposits found alongside the stream channels and elevated above the floodplain
ribosomeA molecular complex that performs translation
mass spectrometryA chemical technique used to investigate aspects of the structure of molecules.
eyeArea in the center of a hurricane that is devoid of clouds.
enzymeA protein that carries out the biochemical reactions essential for the body to metabolize food and produce energy for growth, repair, and movement
second messengerA compound whose metabolism is modified as a result of a ligand-receptor interaction; it functions as a signal transducer by regulating other intracellular processes.
recombinant plasmidpmn (appliqué à la souris modèle de l'ASI) : progressive motor neuropathy
countercurrent exchangeThe opposite flow of adjacent fluids that maximizes transfer rates; for example, blood in the gills flows in the opposite direction in which water passes over the gills, maximizing oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide loss.
salinityConcentration of dissolved salts found in a sample of water
organA specialized center of body function composed of several different types of tissues.
ovaryPrimary sex organ in the female, producing eggs (actually oocytes) and hormones.
instarThe stage of an arthropod's life cycle between molts (shedding of the exoskeleton)
fermentationDecomposition and breakdown of organic matter by anaerobic means.
synaptic cleftA narrow gap separating the synaptic knob of a transmitting neuron from a receiving neutron to an effector.
abyssalReferring to the very deep benthic zone of the ocean.
lithosphereIs the solid inorganic portion of the Earth (composed of rocks, minerals, and elements)
angiospermFlowering plant.
cardiovascular systemA closed circulatory system with a heart and branching network of arteries, capillaries, and veins
extravasationThe leakage of drug from the vein into surrounding tissue
orderA taxonomic grouping of related, similar families; the category below class and above family.
domainA segment of a folded protein structure showing conformational integrity
ribbon fallsSpectacular narrow waterfalls that occur at the edge of a hanging valley.
fitnessThe genetic contribution of an individual to succeeding generations relative to the contributions of other individuals in the population.
parsimonyGeneral approach to evolutionary reconstructions in which the goal is to identify theories (e.g., evolutionary branching patterns) that require the fewest number of evolutionary events (and thus might be considered the simplest).
diagnostica product used for the diagnosis of a disease or medical condition.
biomeA terrestrial region (e.g., grasslands, tropical forests) characterized by dominant vegetation and climate characteristics in terrestrial ecosystems
conditional probabilityProbability of occurrence of one event given that another event has occur.
braided streamShallow stream channel that is subdivided into a number of continually shifting smaller channels that are separated by bar deposits.
aphotic zoneThe part of the ocean beneath the photic zone, where light does not penetrate sufficiently for photosynthesis to occur.
plasticityThe ability of cells or tissue and their function to be influenced by an activity and how they respond to distinct environmental conditions.
glioblastomaA malignant brain tumor of glial origin.
heterotrophicA mode of nutrition in which the consumer relies upon molecules created by other organisms for energy and nutrients
radiolariansingle-celled heterotrophic organisms with elaborate skeletons made of silica
gapA space introduced into a sequence within a multiple sequence alignment that allows similar or conserved sequence regions to be aligned in columns.
eraGeologic time unit that is shorter than an eon but longer than a period.
drainage divideTopographic border between adjacent drainage basins or watersheds.
polygynyA polygamous mating system involving one male and many females.
deforestationRemoval of trees from a habitat dominated by forest.
avidityA measure of the affinity of the binding of an antibody to an antigen.
gene gunA method of gene delivery, also known as a biolistic gun, that uses high-pressure helium gas to blast microscopic particles of gold coated with the material of interest into skin tissue; a method used to deliver DNA vaccines
ontogenyThe development of an organism across its entire lifespan, from zygote to death
chemical energyEnergy stored in the chemical bonds of molecules; a fonn of potential energy.
homeostasisTendency of an organism or a cell to maintain its internal conditions regardless of external changing conditions.
cretaceousThe word cretaceous means having chalk or chalk-like qualities
sporophyllA leaf specialized for reproduction.
monoclonal antibodyHighly specific, purified antibody that is derived from only one clone of cells and recognises only one antigen.
plasmodesmaAn open channel in the cell wall of a plant through which strands of cytosol connect from an adjacent cell.
evidentiary samplesA generic term used to describe physical material/evidence discovered at crime scenes that may be compared with samples from persons, tools, and physical locations.
reductionismThe doctrine that complex systems can be completely understood in terms of its simplest parts
t cellA type of lymphocyte responsible for cell-mediated immunity that differentiates under the influence of the thymus.
inversionIn vitro : expériences faites en éprouvettes
cycle thresholdCycle number (in qPCR) at which the fluorescence generated within a reaction well exceeds the defined threshold
litterAccumulation of leaves, twigs and other forms of organic matter on the soil surface
pedigreeA simplified diagram of a family's genealogy that shows family members' relationships to each other and how a particular trait or disease has been inherited.
tuberFood-storing modified roots in plants like potato.
geographical coordinate systemSystem that uses the measures of latitude and longitude to locate points on the spherical surface of the Earth.
recombinantsFraction of new combinations appearing in each generation.
vascular plantAny member of the land plant group Tracheophyta, which have specialized tissues (xylem and phloem) for conducting fluid through the stem
mutational heritabilityThe ratio, VM/VE, between the mutational variance and the environmental variance.
phylogeneticsStudy of evolutionary relationships among groups of organisms (e.g., species, populations), based on their DNA sequences.
transcriptionthe process by which DNA passes genetic information to RNA
sea-levelThe average surface elevation of the world's oceans.
arfA GTP-binding protein required for vesicle budding from the trans-Golgi network.
selfingSee self-fertilization.
myxomatosisA disease of rabbits caused by the myxoma virus
matrixThe inner mitochondrial space.
first law of thermodynamicsThe principle of conservation of energy
bacille calmette-guerinAn attenuated form of a mycobacterium that activates the immune system
moleculea group of atoms arranged to interact in a particular way; one molecule of any substance is the smallest physical unit of that particular substance.
cofactorA small molecule required for enzyme activity
inductionIncrease in gene expression in response to a regulatory signal.
non-invasiveA medical test or procedure that does not require a doctor to insert any device through the skin or into a body opening.
triangulationthe use of three or more fixed points, such as receiver buoys or satellites in orbit around the earth, to pinpoint the location of an object
chlorophyllGreen pigment found in plants and some bacteria used to capture the energy in light through photosynthesis.
asexual reproductionFormation of new individuals from one parental line by simple mitosis
cmSee centiMorgan.
in-range sreening resultThe clinical test did not show any signs of conditions.
endothermyThe internal control of body temperature; the ability to generate and maintain internal body heat.
nucleaseAn enzyme that hydrolyzes DNA and RNA into their component nucleotides.
parapatricA geographic distribution in which different types are found in different places and meet only in a narrow zone.
genome projectSpecifically: determination of the whole human genome
genetic engineeringThe manipulation of organisms by the artificial introduction of DNA sequence in order to change their characteristics.
chr_basepair_coordChromosome basepair coordinates consist of two numbers that specify the begining and ending location of the sequence as positioned on the chromosomal sequence.
subunit vaccineA vaccine that uses merely one component of an infectious agent, rather than the whole, to stimulate an immune response.
soil colloidsVery small organic and inorganic particles found in a soil
primary cell wallThe wall of growing plant cells.
primosomeThe mobile complex of
mesocycloneA cylinder of cyclonically flowing air that form vertically in a severe thunderstorm
equinoxTwo days during the year when the declination of the Sun is at the equator
double fertilizationFertilization in plant species involving two fusion events, the fusion of the egg nucleus with a sperm nucleus to form a 2n zygote, and the fusion of the two polar nuclei with a sperm nucleus to create the triploid cell which will form the endosperm.
genetic counsellingCounselling individuals and prospective parents who are at risk of a particular genetic disease (either themselves or their potential child)
excretionThe disposal of nitrogen-containing waste products of metabolism.
glacial driftA generic term applied to all glacial and glaciofluvial deposits.
substrateA chemical recognized by an enzyme.
cytoplasmthe protoplasm outside the nucleus
phosphatidylinositolA glycerol phospholipid with a head group formed from inositol.
configurationThe spatial arrangement in which atoms are covalently linked in a molecule.
insectivoreAny animal that chiefly eats insects and other small terrestrial arthropods.
humicAn organic residue of decaying organic matter.
complementA complex series of blood proteins whose action "complements" the work of antibodies
sepalThe green, leaf-like organs found in the first whorl of flowers.
immunogenA molecule, molecular assembly, or organism that is specifically recognized by an antibody; an antigen.
dyne/DINE/ n
cambrian explosionA burst of evolutionary origins when most of the major body plans of animals appeared in a relatively brief time in geologic history; recorded in the fossil record about 542-525 million years ago.
genetic fingerprintingAnalyzing gene expression patterns using computational techniques, such as artificial neural networks.
nerve growth factorA polypeptide growth factor that regulates the development and survival of neurons.
recombinant dnaA novel DNA sequence formed by the joining, usually in vitro, of two non-homologous DNA molecules.
d(1) dalton unit; (2) distal; (3) dorsal.
atpGlucose molecules are joined together to form starch in plants and glycogen in the livers of animals, both of which serve for energy storage
carbohydrateIs an organic compound composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms
allostericThe stereospecific modification of a protein by an effector to influence the activity of another site of the protein.
associateIn Colleague information, "Associate" refers to coworkers or collaborators.
siblingA person who shares the same mother or father
translucentAllowing the passage of light, yet diffusing it so as not to render bodies lying beyond clearly visible; semi-transparent.
stratocumulus cloudsLow altitude gray colored cloud composed of water droplets that has a patchy appearance
radiant energyEnergy in the form of electromagnetic waves and photons
ionAn atom, molecule or compound that carries either a positive (cation) or negative (anion) electrical charge.
downstreamIn the direction of the 3' end of a DNA strand.
conglomerateCoarse grained sedimentary rock composed of rounded rock fragments cemented in a mixture of clay and silt.
transductantA genetic recombinant formed by transduction.
gamma radiationA type of ionizing, electromagnetic radiation that readily penetrates the body tissues of organisms
oceanic crustBasaltic portion of the Earth's crust that makes up the ocean basins
saltationTransport of sediment initiated by moving air or water where particles move from a resting surface to the transport medium in quick continuous repeated cycles.
iterationA single round of data processing
holinA phage encoded lysis protein that forms pores ("holes") in the cytoplasmic membrane and allows release of an enzyme that degrades peptidoglycan (e.g
renal medullaThe inner portion of the vertebrate kidney, beneath the renal cortex.
kettle moraineAn area of glaciofluvial influenced moraine deposits pitted with kames and kettle holes.
little climatic optimumTime period from 900 - 1200 AD
imprintingA type of learned behavior with a significant innate component, acquired during a limited critical period.
crustEarth's outer most layer of solid rock
curationThe process of verifying and enhancing data submitted to bioinformatics databases
autoradiographyThe technique of exposing film in the presence of disintegrating radioactive particles
active immunityLong-lasting immunity conferred by the action of a person's B cells and T cells and the resulting Band T memory cells specific for a pathogen
amplificationany process by which specific DNA sequences are replicated disproportionately greater than their representation in the parent molecules.
starA large and very massive, self-luminous celestial body of gas that illuminates via the radiation derived from its internal source of energy.
monotherapyThe use of a single drug or other therapy.
plastidomeThe total plastid complement of a cell.
allelic dropoutFailure to detect an allele within a sample or failure to amplify an allele during PCR.
calciteMineral formed from calcium carbonate
genetic codeall the genes a living thing has inherited
thermoclineA narrow stratum of rapid temperature change in the ocean and in many temperate-zone lakes.
metabolic turnoverA measure of the rate at which already existing molecules of the given species are replaced by newly-synthesized molecules of the same type
ischemiaAn inadequate flow of oxygen (hypoxia) due to insufficient blood supply.
matric forceForce that holds soil water from 0.0002 to 0.06 millimeters from the surface of soil particles
transmembrane domainRefers to the domains in amphipathic membrane proteins where the hydrophobic regions traverse the lipid bilayers of the membranes, while the hydrophilic regions extend on either side of the membrane and interact with water.
curatorA keeper of the Dictyostelium Genome Database information, responsible for collecting and compiling data about Dictyostelium genetic loci and DNA sequences and providing online assistance to users of the database
goldman equationAn equation expressing the quantitative relationship between the concentrations of charged species on either side of a membrane and the resting transmembrane potential.
pathogenMicroscopic parasite organism that causes disease in a host
biocombinatorial chemistryAn iterative process consisting of synthesis of combinatorial chemical libraries followed by screening in biological systems to evaluate function.
zoned reserveAn extensive region of land that includes one or more areas undisturbed by humans surrounded by lands that have been changed by human activity and are used for economic gain.
instabilityAtmospheric condition where a parcel of air is warmer that the surrounding air in the immediate environment
systematicsBiological classification and nomenclature.
denticles/DENT-ə-kəls/ n
chemical bondAn attraction between two atoms resulting from a sharing of outer-shell elctrons or the presence of opposite charges on the atoms; the bonded atoms gain complete outer electron shells.
mitochondrial matrixThe inner mitochondrial compartment that contains enzymes associated with the oxidation of fatty acids and the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
amphotericDescribes a molecule that reacts as an acid with bases, and as a base with acids.
speciesA group whose members possess similar anatomical characteristics and have the ability to interbreed.
cellthe smallest unit of life that carries out its own processes
electroporation-based dna deliveryA method of DNA delivery using electroporation as the enabling mechanism.
leading eigenvectorSmall deviations {x1, x2, ...} from equilibrium grow exponentially at a rate given by the leading eigenvalue λ and have the form xi = eiexp(λt)
tetracyclineAn antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis by preventing aminoacyl tRNA from binding to ribosomes
motor skillsThe ability to perform controlled and precise movements of muscle groups
saturated fatty acidA fatty acid in which all carbons in the hydrocarbon tail are connected by single bonds, thus maximizing the number of hydrogen atoms that can attach to the carbon skeleton.
tectonicrefers to any geological process that involves movement or deformation of the earth's crust.
degrees of freedomNumber of independent parameters required to describe some component
fjordA glacial valley or glacial trough found along the coast that is now filled with a mixture of fresh water and seawater.
sarcomaA malignant tumor of the connective tissue.
redfield ratioOptimal ratio of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus for phytoplankton growth (106C:16N:1P) based on molecular concentrations.
communityAll the organisms that inhabit a particular area; an assemblage of populations of different species living close enough together for potential interaction.
visible lightThat portion of the electromagnetic spectrum detected as various colors by the human eye, ranging in wavelength from about 380 nm to about 750 nm.
phagocytosisAn endocytic process based on the extension of cellular pseudopods that engulf target cells and tissue debris, forming phagosomes
chromosomal inversionSee inversion, chromosomal.
populationGroup of individuals sharing a gene pool.
pineal glandA small gland on the dorsal surface of the vertebrate forebrain that secretes the hormone melatonin.
eugenicsThe practice of trying to influence human heredity by encouraging the transmission of ‘desirable' characteristics and discouraging the transmission of ‘undesirable' ones.
cheminformaticsInformatics technologies that integrate chemical data with analytic and molecular design tools
cultureThe ideas, customs, skills, rituals, and similar activities of a people or group that are passed along to succeeding generations.
coral bleachingSituation where coral lose their colorful symbiotic algae
dugong/DOO-gawng/ n
solar radiationElectromagnetic radiation that originates from the Sun
megapascalA unit of pressure equivalent to 10 atmospheres of pressure.
telomeraseThe enzyme that directs the replication of telomeres.
angstromA unit of measurement that was widely used until recently to describe molecular dimensions, but the unit nanometer (nm) is now more commonly used
trophicSaid of organisms which are active and feeding, and contrasts with the encysted state, theronts, or swarmers
gene expressionThe process by which a gene's coded information is translated into the structures present and operating in the cell (either proteins or RNAs).
precambrian shieldAnother term for shield.
accommodationThe automatic adjustment of an eye to focus on near objects.
hlaHuman leukocyte antigen
meteoriteA meteorite is a part of a meteor from outer space that enters the earth's atmosphere
insolationDirect or diffused shortwave solar radiation that is received in the Earth's atmosphere or at its surface.
deep-sea hydrothermal ventA dark, hot, oxygen-deficient environment associated with volcanic activity
neurologicaln(y)oor-ə-LAWJ-ə-kəl/
meiosisis a type of cell division
mantlethe largest layer of the earth's interior, reaching from the crust and the core to a depth of 2891 km.
peristalsisRegular contractions of a body or part of a body
genic conversionCriblage : Opération d'identification et de tri de clones
biocatalystIn bioprocessing, an enzyme that activates or speeds up a biochemical reaction.
starchA storage polysaccharide in plants consisting entirely of glucose.
ancestral characteristicA trait found in both an organism being studied and the common ancestor of a group to which the study organism belongs.
segregation loadThe loss of mean fitness caused by the segregation of homozygotes, when polymorphism is maintained by heterozygote advantage:where Wmax is the fitness of the fittest heterozygous genotype.
omnivorousOmnivorous animals like to eat both plants and meat
hair hygrometerHygrometer that uses the expansion and contraction of hair to determine atmospheric humidity.
stipeA stemlike structure of a seaweed.
piedmont glacierA large glacier formed from the merger of several alpine glaciers.
ganglionA cluster (functional group) of nerve cell bodies in a centralized nervous system.
cellThe basic unit of any living organism that carries on the biochemical processes of life
tetramerStructure resulting from the association of four subunits.
intronA segment of DNA
quartetGroup of four nuclei which is the result of two meiotic divisions.
chronic diseaseOf long duration
gene predictionA gene prediction is an automatically predicted gene model
protonA subatomic particle with a single positive electrical charge, found in the nucleus of the atom.
dropsy/DRAWP-see/ n
open seaThat part of the ocean that extends from the continental shelf
mesophyll cellA loosely arranged photosynthetic cell located between the bundle sheath and the leaf surface.
disease-associated genesAlleles carrying particular DNA sequences associated with the presence of disease.
lmcSee local mate competition.
generation timeThe time it takes for a cell to double its mass under specified conditions.
amino groupThe -NH2 group, a weakly basic group found in organic molecules.
endoparasiteA parasite that lives within a host.
genomeThe total hereditary material of a cell, comprising the entire chromosomal set found in each nucleus of a given species.
gross primary productivityTotal amount of organic matter created by photosynthesis over a defined time period (total product of photosynthesis).
museumA museum is a place where different things are stored and displayed for others to see and study.
wave troughArea in between wave crests.
subduction zonean area of the sea floor where two tectonic plates are moving toward each other, causing the more dense, or heavier plate to be forced (or subducted) underneath the less dense, or lighter plate.
burst sizeThe average number of phage released from a single infected bacterium during lytic growth
magmaMolten rock originating from the Earth's interior.
lenticelsSmall raised areas in the bark of stems and roots that enable gas exchange between living cells and the outside air.
mixotrophicHaving both autotrophic and heterotrophic capabilities.
bioethicsThe study of the ethical and moral implications of applications of biomedical research and biotechnology.
nitrogen cycleModel that describes the movement of nitrogen in its many forms between the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.
fragile evidenceEvidence that will lose its evidentiary value if not preserved and protected, either because of its nature or the conditions at the scene (e.g., blood in the rain).
thalassemia  Any of a group of anemias due to inherited defects in the quantity of hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
swim bladderAn adaptation, derived from a lung, that enables bony fishes to adjust their density and thereby control their buoyancy.
inversely proportionalCause and effect relationship between two variables where a positive or negative change in the quantity of one causes a predictable opposite change in quantity in the other.
yeast genbankA collection of all GenBank sequences that were derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
cell linea culture of cells that can be kept alive indefinitely in in vitro culture with a supply of appropriate of nutrients.
fujita tornado intensity scaleTornado classification system developed by T
facilitationModification of a system that makes subsequent modifications easier.
libraryA set of cloned DNA fragments.
ribonucleasesee "RNAse".
vortexA rapid spiraling motion of air or liquid around a center of rotation.
mycorrhizaeFungi that establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots.
aqueous solutionA solution in which water is the solvent.
placodermAny member of the extinct vertebrate group Placodermi
foveaAn eye's center of focus and the place on the retina where photoreceptors are highly concentrated
virusAn infectious agent that occupies a place near the boundary between the living and the nonliving.Viruses enter host cells and hijack the enzymes and materials of the host cells to make more copies of themselves.
acclimatizationThe adaptation of an organism to new environmental conditions.
noctilucent cloudsHigh altitude clouds composed of ice crystals that appear to glow silver or bright blue shortly after sunset.
membrane potentialThe electric potential difference across a membrane.
sampleA collection of individuals or measurements obtained from a larger aggregate
net primary productionIn a community or an ecosystem, the increase in the amount of plant or algal material between the beginning and end of a specified time period, such as a growing season.
basal nucleiA cluster of nuclei deep within the white matter of the cerebrum.
prenatal care providersHealthcare professionals who aid a woman throughout her pregnancy.
sineA type of small dispersed repetitive DNA sequence (e.g
postzygotic barrierAny of several species-isolating mechanisms that prevent hybrids produced by two different species from developing into viable, fertile adults.
microforgeDevice used with a microscope for the generation of micropipets.
forensic unknownsDNA profiles obtained from crime scene evidence samples that are unmatched to a known individual.
platform technologya technique or tool that enables a range of scientific investigations
population densityThe number of individuals of a population per unit area or volume of living space.
vdSee dominance variance.
life cycleThe entire sequence of stages in the life of an organisms, from the adults of one generation to the adults of the next.
cleavageThe tendency of some minerals or rocks to break along planes of weakness
dna profilingsurrogate
ion channelProtein channel in a cell membrane that allows passage of a specific ion down its concentration gradient.
class switch recombinationA type of region-specific recombination responsible for the association of rearranged immunoglobulin V(D)J regions with different heavy-chain constant regions.
essential amino acidsAmino acids that cannot be synthesized within the body and must be obtained through the diet
reductionElectron-transfer reaction in which a substance gains one or more electrons.
gene silencingThe process(es) whereby certain genes in the genome are prevented from being expressed by chemical modifications and other means.
balanced polymorphismA type of polymorphism in which the frequencies of the coexisting forms do not change noticeably over many generations.
inbreedingMating between relatives.
mesosomeAn invagination of the bacterial cell membrane.
natural ionizing radiationIonizing radiation that comes from natural sources in the environment.
brain hormoneA hormone, produced by neurosecretory cells in the insect brain, that promotes development by stimulating the pro thoracic glands to secrete ecdysone.
crosstalkA regulatory mechanism in which one signaling pathway controls the activity of another.
emigrationThe movement of individuals out of a population.
hypertonicA solution with an osmotic potential greater than that of living cells, leading to water loss from, shrinkage or plasmolysis of cells in a hypertonic situation
cumulative distributionThe probability that a random variable will be less than a given value is called its cumulative distribution.
heterogameticContaining one each of the two forms of the sex chromosome.
lipopolysaccharidesA large molecule containing a lipid and a carbohydrate.
basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)
hydrophobicLiterally means 'water hating'
seed coatA tough outer covering of a seed, formed from the outer coat of an ovule
pattern formationThe ordering of cells into specific three-dimensional structures, an essential part of shaping an organism and its individual parts during development.
outwashGlaciofluvial sediments deposited by meltwater streams at the edge of a glacier.
decomposersSee: saprophyte.
dispersal/də-SPER-səl/ n
hft lysateA lysate from a lysogenic phage that includes a substantial proportion of transducing fragments
quadratic selection gradientSee selection gradient, quadratic.
antibody fragmentPart of an antibody, comprising antigen-binding domain
overbank flowMovement of flood waters outside a stream channel during period of high discharge.
holliday junctionThe cruciform structure formed as an intermediate in homologous genetic recombination.
phScale used to specify acidity or alkalinity
molecular dynamicsThe study of intramolecular conformations and molecular motions, using computational simulations.
chemicalOne of the millions of different elements and compounds found naturally and synthesized by humans.
riverA flowing body of water.
extrapolationa conjecture based on the assumption that a phenomenon or trend observed in the present can be extended into the past or future.
blood vesselsA set of tubes through which the blood moves through the body
species selectionA theory maintaining that species living the longest and generating the greatest number of species determine the direction of major evolutionary trends.
hydrogen bondA weak, noncovalent, attractive force between one electronegative atom and a hydrogen atom that is covalently linked to a second electronegative atom.
primer  The general meaning of primer is an object or act to get something started
analogySimilarity that is not due to homology (i.e., common ancestry).
phytosiderophoresChemical compounds released from the roots of certain plants (e.g., grasses) to sequester iron from the environment.
all-or-noneA reaction or response that occurs fully or not at all.
replicatemake identical copies of
soil erosionTransport of soil mineral particles and organic matter by wind, flowing water, or both
coriolis forceAn apparent force due to the Earth's rotation
molecular geneticsStudy of how genes function to control cellular activities.
reachAn expanse of a stream channel.
glucocorticoidA steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that influences glucose metabolism and immune function.
k-selectionThe concept that in certain (K-selected) populations, life history is centered around producing relatively few offspring that have a good chance of survival.
rflpPolyribosome : Voir : polysome.
dewCondensation of water on the Earth's surface because of atmospheric cooling.
angstromA unit of measure used to measure inter-atomic distances within molecules equal to 10-10 meter.
squamousThe flat, tile-like shape of a type of epithelial cell.
oligotrophic lakeA nutrient-poor, clear, deep lake with minimum phytoplankton.
adaptive landscapeSee fitness landscape.
informed consentA term used to describe the responsibility of doctors or researchers to ensure that patients or people being researched have an understanding of the relevant facts regarding their care or participation in research
biennial plantPlant species that completes its life in two growing seasons.
family selectionSelection scheme in which whole families are selected.
floodInundation of a land surface that is not normally submerged by water from quick change in the level of a water body like a lake, stream, or ocean.
cohesion-tension theoryA theory accounting for the upward movement of water in plants
lycopsidAny member of the mostly arborescent lycophyte order Lycopsida.
monohybrid crossMating of two strains homozygous for different alleles at a single locus.
continental crustThe outermost layer of the solid Earth
informed consentThe ethical practice of obtaining consent to undergo a medical procedure or participate in a medical study while respecting individual choice and protecting an individual from harm.
rapeseedThe seed of the rape plant, which is a source of edible oil
mafic magmaMagma that is relative poor in silica but rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron content
modelA representation of a theory or process.
diffusion equationAn equation that describes how a probability distribution spreads out with time; it applies when random fluctuations are small.
schwann cellA type of glial cell that forms insulating myelin sheaths around the axons of neurons in the peripheral nervous system.
chytridFungus with flagellated stage; possible evolutionary link between fungi and protists.
finished sequenceSequence produced to an accuracy of no more than 1 error in 10,000 bases
exciteTo raise a molecule from the ground state to the excited state.
reflected lightIncident illumination (cf
coastal wetlandWetland habitat found along a coastline and is covered with ocean salt water for all or part of the year
fluorometric analysisThis is a method used in some countries for newborn screening for PKU and other inherited metabolic disorders
density-independent factorsAny factor influencing population regulation that acts to reduce population by the same percentage, regardless of size.
ppbSee parts per billion.
heredityTransfer of genetic information from parent cells to progeny
epitheliumA sheet of cells above the basal lamina that is specialized for protection or transport.
longwave radiationSee infrared radiation.
bioremediationThe science of using living things, such as plants and microorganisms, to remove toxins from the environment and restore it to a healthful condition.
molecularity of a reactionThe number of molecules involved in a specific reaction step.
satellite rnaASI : amyotrophie spinale infantile
gene taggingEucaryote : Se dit d'une cellule pourvue d'un noyau figuré (opposé à procaryote)
iceFrozen form of the water molecule
immune responseThe natural response to a foreign substance (eg
phytoplanktonfloating microscopic plants that obtain their energetic requirements through photosynthesis.
blastnA BLAST program that compares a nucleotide query sequence against a nucleotide sequence database
midpoint rootingA method of rooting a phylogenetic tree in which the root is placed at the center of a branch connecting the pair of operational taxonomic units that are most distant from each other.
orogenesisThe process of mountain building through tectonic forces of compression and volcanism.
hemoproteinA protein bound to an iron-porphyrin compounds such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, and members of the cytochrome group.
gross motorGross motor refers to functions which require large muscle movements.  For example, walking or jumping would require gross motor movement.
solidA state of matter where molecules where the mass of the substance does not have the property of flow.
ribonucleic acid a constituent of all living cells and many viruses,
microsporidiaA group of single-celled eukaryotes that were once considered to be their own phylum but are now considered part of the fungal phylum.
gene sequencingDetermination of the sequence of nucleotide bases in a strand of DNA.
eukaryoteA cell or organism that has a membrane-bound nucleus.
microbesmicroscopic life forms, particularly bacteria, archaea, protists and viruses
argument from designThe argument that the order seen in the living world implies that it was created by a divine power.
doxorubicinAn antibiotic used as an anti-cancer drug.
lemursThe two groups separated from each other some 15 million years ago.
speciesthe taxonomic rank below genus; there are many definitions of this word, all of which are controversial to some extent, but the most common definition used for sexually reproducing organisms is “a group of interbreeding organisms that is reproductively isolated from other such groups.”
aglyconThe non-carbohydrate component of a glycoside.
termination factorsProteins that are exclusively involved in the termination reactions of protein synthesis on the ribosome.
endocrine glandA ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the interstitial fluid, from which they diffuse into the bloodstream.
microsatellitesMinicellule : Cellule bactérienne de taille réduite ayant perdu son ADN chromosomique
phase ii clinical trialsEstablish if a drug candidate has the desired initial efficacy in patients suffering from a specific disease or condition
marsupialAny member of the mammalian group Metatheria
simulationCombination of multiple models into a meaningful representation of a whole system that can be used to predict how the system will behave under various conditions
lateral genomicsAn approach to genomics that emphasizes lateral gene transfer.
petaflopA theoretical measure of computer speed that corresponds to a thousand trillion (1015) floating point operations per second.
throughflowThe roughly horizontal flow of water through soil or regolith.
mycosisThe general term for a fungal infection.
fluctuation testAn experimental approach designed by Luria and Delbruck to determine whether mutations are random or directed, and to measure mutation rates (see http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/~smaloy/MicrobialGenetics/topics/mutations/fluctuation.html).
spheroidal weatheringA type of below ground chemical weathering where the corners of jointed rocks become rounded over time
megabaseA unit of DNA length corresponding to 1 million bases.
vasocongestionThe filling of a tissue with blood, caused by increased blood flow through the arteries of that tissue.
positive feedbackChange in the state of a system that enhances the measured effect of the initial alteration.
autoantibodyAn antibody that reacts against a person's own tissue.
sequenceAs a noun, the sequence of a DNA is a buzz word for the structure of a DNA molecule, in terms of the sequence of bases it contains
silent mutationA type of mutation that changes a codon but does not alter the amino acid encoded
nitrificationTransformation of ammonium ions to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria.
plasma cellsLarge antibody-producing cells that develop from B cells.
codeSee: genetic code
neutral theoryThe hypothesis that much evolutionary change in genes and proteins has no effect on fitness and therefore is not influenced by Darwinian natural selection.
transform faultMassive strike-slip fault continental in size
microaggregatesSmall (50–250 micrometers in size) mineral–organic matter complexes in soils that physically protect organic matter from degradation.
urbanizationExpansion of cities into rural regions because of population growth
angiospermsFlowering seed plants.
ascocarpThe fruiting body of a sac fungus (ascomycete) .
fermentationA catabolic process that makes a limited amount of ATP from glucose without an electron transport chain and that produces a characteristic end product, such as ethyl alcohol or lactic acid
institutional review boardIRB
interphaseThe period in the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing
super-saturationAtmospheric condition where saturation occurs at a relative humidity greater than 100% because of a shortage of deposition or condensation nuclei.
snpSingle Nucleotide Polymorphism.  For more information, please see our section on Marker Technologies.
seamountA volcanic mountain found on an ocean basin that has an origin not related to a mid-oceanic ridge or a tectonic subduction zone.
syndromeA pattern of recognizable symptoms or signs characteristic of a disease.
zoonosisA disease that may be transmitted to humans from animals.
recombinant moleculeA DNA insert joined to a vector.
dimethylformamide/DIE-meth-əl-FORM-ə-mide/ A common solvent; a colorless liquid, miscible with water and most organic liquids.
net primary productivityTotal amount of chemical energy fixed by the processes of photosynthesis minus the chemical energy lost through respiration.
flavivirusA family of small RNA viruses, formerly referred to as the arboviruses
follow-up testingTesting procedure that takes place after a positive or abnormal test result.  Follow-up testing is designed to limit false positive results.
video-enhanced microscopyThe combined use of video cameras with the light microscope to allow the visualization of small objects.
homoplasySimilar (analogous) structure or molecular sequence that has evolved independently in two species.
condensationSee Dehydration synthesis.
pedigree indexEvaluation of an individuals genetic merit based solely on the genetic evaluations of its parents ( the average of parent evaluations).
anthesisFlowering, time when male structure within an inflorescence is mature and pollen is shed.
cytostomeA subcellular structure found on the surface of many diverse protozoa that is involved in feeding via an endocytic pathway.
universal common ancestrythe hypothesis that all species are biological descendants of a single common ancestor, and that all life can be portrayed as a tree with a single trunk or root.
cytotoxic t cellA type of lymphocyte that kills infected cells and cancer cells.
major depressionDepressive mental illness characterized by experiencing a low mood most of the time.
ganglion cellA type of neuron in the retina that synapses with bipolar cells and transmits action potentials to the brain via axons in the optic nerve.
acetyl coaAcetyl-coenzyme A, a high-energy ester of acetic acid that is important both in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and in fatty acid biosynthesis.
one hybrid systemA method for detecting protein-DNA interactions.
s-waveA seismic wave that moves material it encounters perpendicular to its direction of travel
lithosphereThe outer layer of the Earth's crust.
hydrometeoricRelating to atmospheric phenomena that depend on water vapor.
mrspan abbreviation of meticillin-resistant staphylococcus pseudintermedius
preclinicalThe testing of an experimental drug in a test tube or animals before clinical trials in humans may be carried out.
mutagenA chemical or physical agent that interacts with DNA to promote the appearance of mutations.
pedigreeA diagrammatic representation of a family health history or family health tree.
disorderA disturbance in physical or mental health functions.
oral cavityThe mouth of an animal.
duchenne muscular dystrophyA form of muscular dystrophy that is characterized by decreasing muscle mass and progressive loss of muscle function in male children
rock–paper–scissors gameA game in which strategy A beats B, B beats C, and C beats A.
allosteric interactionSee allostery.
fixation probabilitySee probability of fixation.
groundwater rechargeThe replenishment of groundwater with surface water.
island arcA line of volcanic islands found of the ocean that have been created by the convergence of two tectonic plates and the subsequent subduction of one of the plates beneath the other
carbon sourceA pool (reservoir) that releases carbon to another part of the carbon cycle.
enantiomerOne of the two stereoisomers of a chiral compound
metagenomicsLarge-scale sequencing of DNA isolated directly from environmental samples (e.g., soil, air, and water).
wild typeStandard phenotype of an organism.
precipitinAn antibody that reacts with its corresponding antigen to form a precipitate.
dura mater/D(Y)ER-ə MADE-er/ The tough, fibrous outer membranous sheath of the brain and spinal cord.
cell divisionThe reproduction of cells.
ovaMeiosis involves two divisions and results in four daughter cells, each containing only half the original number of chromosomes--23 in the case of humans.
hemimetabolousDeveloping directly through a series of nymphal stages with a similar morphology to the adult (e.g., as in grasshoppers and bugs)
heat islandThe dome of relatively warm air which develops over the center of urbanized areas.
gleizationA soil formation process that occurs in poorly drained environments
virtual libraryAn combinatorial chemical library that is built in silico with the goal of evaluating possible structures.
photomorphogenesisEffects of light on plant morphology.
spectrophotometerAn instrument that measures the proportions of light of different wavelengths absorbed and transmitted by a pigment solution.
eusocialFully social organisms in which only one or a few individuals in a colony reproduce.
position effectA change in the expression of a gene due to translocation of the gene to a new position in the genome.
phase ivpost-approval clinical trials used to monitor safety and efficacy or examine additional applications of drugs.
plasmolyzeTo shrink and pull away from a cell wall, or when a plant cell protoplast pulls away from the cell wall as a result of water loss.
polytomous treeA tree that has at least one branch point that is a polytomy
vocal cordOne of a pair of stringlike tissues in the larynx
hominidMember of the great apes (family Hominidae), which now include human, gorilla, orangutan, and chimpanzee.
c3 plantPlants (e.g., soybean, wheat, and cotton) whose carbon-fixation products have three carbon atoms per molecule
diastole/die-AST-ə-LEE/ n
ionAn atom that has gained or lost electrons, thus acquiring a charge.
carbon dioxideCommon gas found in the atmosphere
maternal half sibBrother or sister having the same dam but different sires.
phytohormoneA plant hormone.
regulatory factorSee gene regulation.
protobiontAn aggregate of abiotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane or membrane-like structure.
rhyniophyteMember of an early group of vascular plants.
lianaSpecies of plant that uses the support of wood plants to elevate its leaves above the forest canopy.
smogGeneric term used to describe mixtures of pollutants in the atmosphere
likelihood ratioThe ratio of two probabilities of the same event under two different hypotheses.
source habitatA habitat where reproduction exceeds mortality and from which excess individuals disperse.
homozygoteRefers to an individual in whom the two alleles or gene copies contain identical information
dark reactionsIn photosynthesis, steps that can proceed in darkness by means of chemical energy produced by other steps ("light reactions") that depend on the presence of light.
glycolysisThe splitting of glucose into pyruvate
phagosomeA vacuole containing a particle taken up by phagocytosis.
smooth muscleA type of muscle lacking the striations of skeletal and cardiac muscle because of the uniform distribution of myosin filaments in the cell; responsible for involuntary body activities.
monotremeAn egg-laying mammal, represented by the platypus and echidna.
biological augmentationAn approach to restoration ecology that uses organisms to add essential materials to a degraded ecosystem.
steady stateIn enzyme-kinetic analysis, the time interval when the rate of reaction is approximately constant with time
diseaseany deviation from the normal structure or function of any part, organ, or system of the body that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms and signs whose pathology and prognosis may be known or unknown.
microorganismAny unicellular prokaryotic or eukaryotic organism, sometimes called a microbe.
speed of lightVelocity of light in a vacuum
light reactionsThe steps in photosynthesis that occur on the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast and convert solar energy to the chemical energy of ATP and NADPH, evolving oxygen in the process.
mullerian duct  In female embryos, the Mullerian ducts give rise to the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the upper third of the vagina
amplificationThe process of increasing the number of copies of a particular gene or chromosomal sequence
anti-sense strandSee discussion under "Sense strand".
collenchyma cellA flexible plant cell type that occurs in strands or cylinders that support young parts of the plant without restraining growth.
roll cloudA dense, cigar shaped cloud found above the gust front of a thunderstorm
proteomeProteins expressed by a cell or organ at a particular time and under specific conditions.
retrotransposonRétrovirus : Classe de virus à ARN spécifique des Eucaryotes et dont la propagation nécessite la conversion de l'ARN en ADN double brin qui lui, s'intègre dans le génome de la cellule hôte
neurogenic heartA type of heart, such as in insects, in which the pacemakers originate in motor nerves arising from outside the heart.
genetic driftSee random genetic drift.
muskegPoorly drained marshes or swamps found overlying permafrost.
epinephrineA catecholamine hormone secreted from the adrenal medulla that mediates "fight-or-flight" responses to short-term stress; also functions as a neurotransmitter.
anti-tumor antibioticThere are a variety of anti-tumor antibiotics exhibiting several different mechanisms of action
immunotoxinA monoclonal antibody linked to a natural toxin, a toxic drug, or a radioactive substance.
insertion sequenceThe simplest kind of transposable element, consisting of inverted repeats of DNA flanking a gene for transposase, the enzyme that catalyzes transposition.
glycoproteinA protein with covalently bound carbohydrates.
descriptionA brief description of the role that the gene plays in the cell, or a general description of the gene product.
pyrimidineA heterocyclic six-membered ring structure
vascular plantPlant that has vascular tissues to transport water, nutrients, and other metabolic products.
oxbow lakeIs portion of abandoned stream channel filled with stagnant water and cut off from the rest of the stream
metamorphic rockA rock that forms from the recrystallization of igneous, sedimentary or other metamorphic rocks through pressure increase, temperature rise, or chemical alteration.
eumetazoanMember of the clade Eumetazoa, animals with true tissues (all animals except sponges)
heteromorphicReferring to a condition in the life cycle of all living plants and certain algae in which the sporophyte and gametophyte generations differ in morphology
criteriaStandards, requirements, or specifications for a structured learning activity.
protein phosphataseAn enzyme that removes phosphate groups from proteins, often functioning to reverse the effect of a protein kinase.
molecular mimicsChemical compounds that resemble biomolecules and recognize and bind their targets.
multiplexingA laboratory approach that performs multiple sets of reactions in parallel (simultaneously); greatly increasing speed and throughput.
sanger sequence"plus and minus" or "primed synthesis" method; DNA is synthesized so it is radioactively labeled and the reaction terminates specifically at the position corresponding to a given base.
chemiluminescenceThe production of light by a chemical reaction.
parametersQuantities such as selection coefficients or recombination rates that determine the behavior of a model but do not evolve with it
photoperiodThe duration of the daylight period.
genetic variationa phenotypic variance of a trait in a population attributed to genetic heterogeneity.
epistasisThe blocking of the effects of one gene by the expression of another, non-allelic gene.
contig mapA map depicting the relative order of a series of small overlapping clones representing a chromosomal segment.
intelligence quotient  Perhaps better known as IQ, the intelligence quotient is derived by administering a test of mental achievement that has been standardized for each age group and then dividing the score by the chronological age of the subject (and then multiplying by 100 to get rid of fractions.) A child who performs at the exact average for his or her age would have an IQ of 100
late treatedIn the context of PKU, people who were not put on a phenylalanine-restricted diet in the early days or weeks of life
genetic systemThe system immediately responsible for transmission of genetic information.
inducersMolecules that cause an increase in a protein activity when added to cells.
futile cycleSee pseudocycle.
bundle of hisIn the vertebrate heart, a group of muscle fibers that carry impulses from the atrioventricular node to the walls of the ventricles; the only electrical bridge between the atria and the ventricles.
investigational new drugan application to pursue clinical trials with an experimental drug that has passed pre-clinical trials.
nymphNIMF/ The sexually immature larva of a hemimetabolous insect prior to the appearance of the first trace of wings
grasslandEcosystem whose dominant species are various types of grass
hlaAbbreviation for human leukocyte-associated antigen.
likelihood ratioThe ratio of two probabilities of the same event under different hypotheses
hepatocyteAn epithelial cell of the liver responsible for the synthesis, degradation, and storage of a variety of materials.
cladogramA dichotomous phylogenetic tree that branches repeatedly, suggesting a classification of organisms based on the time sequence in which evolutionary branches arise.
thematic mapMap that displays the geographical distribution of one phenomenon or the spatial associations that occur between a few phenomena
moho discontinuityThe lower boundary of the crust
leaf dripThe rain water that fall to the ground surface from plant leaves after it has been intercepted by these structures.
diploblastic/DIP-loe-BLAST-ik/ adj
pyroxeneA group of single chained inosilicate minerals whose basic chemical unit is the silica tetrahedron (SiO4)
coalSedimentary rock composed of the compacted, lithified and altered remains of plants
platelet-derived growth factorA growth factor released by platelets during blood clotting to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts.
cohesionThe binding together of like molecules, often by hydrogen bonds.
tumorA mass that forms within otherwise normal tissue, caused by the uncontrolled growth of a transformed cell.
homeostasisThe process by which an organism or cell or any other organic entity dynamically maintains a properly functional, approximately stable state in the face of disturbances
pharmacogeneticsThe study of how genetics determine drug behavior and why some drugs work differently between individuals.
cellLife's fundamental unit of structure and function.
populationa group of individuals of one species, found within a particular area.
pressureIs defined as the force acting on a surface from another mass per unit area.
primary pollutantAir pollutants that enter the atmosphere directly
processSee biological process.
lentivirusViruses of the Retroviridae family, characterized by a long incubation period
class i proteinsMajor histocompatibility antigens that enable the immune system to distinguish self
sensory biasAn innate preference for particular male traits, which did not evolve as a result of the sexual selection caused by that preference.
leading eigenvalueClose to equilibrium, a system can be described by a set of linear equations
aqueous humorPlasma-like liquid in the space between the lens and the cornea in the vertebrate eye; helps maintain the shape of the eye, supplies nutrients and oxygen to its tissues, and disposes of its wastes.
clean/sanitizeThe process of removing biological and/or chemical contaminants from tools and/or equipment.
glycerolA three-carbon molecule with three hydroxyl () groups attached; a glycerol molecule can combine with three fatty acid molecules to form a fat or an oil.
threatened speciesSpecies that is still plentiful in its natural range but is likely to become endangered because of declining population numbers.
shieldA large stable area of exposed very old (more than 600 million years) igneous and metamorphic rock found on continents
geologistA geologist is someone who works in the field of geology, which is another word for the study of the earth
strainIndividuals kept in a closed breeding group in order to maintain particular characteristics.
polypeptidesPrototroph An organsim (usually a microorganism) that is capable of growing on minimal medium
biostratigraphyThe use of fossil distribution in the stratigraphic record to organize different strata into units and assign relative dates.
gross productivityA measure of the rate at which energy is assimilated by the organisms in a trophic level, a community, or an ecosystem.
mono-unsaturatedRefers to molecules, such as fats, that have only one double bond in their chemical structure
uterusA female organ where eggs are fertilized and/or development of the young occurs.
probability of paternityA formula that tests the hypothesis that the accused is the biological father of the child.
selective advantagethe characteristic of an organism that enables it to survive and reproduce better than other organisms in a population in a given environment.
beach driftThe lateral movement of sediments on a beach when the angles of swash and backwash differ.
microinjectionA technique for introducing a solution of DNA into a cell using a fine microcapillary pipet.
nephricNEF-rik/ Relating to the kidney(s).
karyotypeA display of the chromosomes of an individual, showing number and morphology.
primary carnivoreSee secondary consumer.
storm trackThe path taken by a storm (thunderstorm, mid-latitude cyclone or hurricane) or the average path taken by storms.
x-linked recessive mutationA recessive mutation in a gene carried on the X chromosome.
nitrogenous baseA nitrogencontaining molecule having the chemical properties of a base.
renal veinThe blood vessel draining the kidney
climax communityPlant community that no longer undergoes changes in species composition due to succession.
canalizationThe buffering of development such that the same form is produced despite genetic and environmental perturbations.
learning objectivesA set of stated outcomes or goals for structured learning activities
ion channelA protein that mediates the rapid passage of ions across a membrane by forming open pores through the phospholipid bilayer.
upwellingThe movement of nutrient-rich deep seawater to the ocean's surface.
adjuvantInsoluble material that increases the formation and persistence of antibodies when injected with an antigen.
alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes
panningAn iterative method for selecting cells or clones based on successive rounds of target selection.
superfamilyA group of functionally or structurally related proteins.
natronNAY-trən/ A naturally occurring salt, composed primarily of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, used by the ancient Egyptians in the process of mummification
scientific methodThe approach science uses to gain knowledge
cdkcyclin-dependent kinase – an enzyme which activates another protein by attaching a phosphate group to one of its amino acids
optical activityThe property of a molecule that leads to rotation of the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light when the latter is transmitted through the substance
tomboloA coastal feature that forms when a belt sand and/or gravel is deposited between an island and the mainland
abioticNon-living chemical and physical factors (e.g., soil, water, air, temperature, and sunlight) in the environment that affect ecosystems.
phosphate groupA functional group important in energy transfer.
seismologyA branch of science focused on the study of earthquakes and seismic activity.
basic solutionAny water solution that is basic (pH greater than 7) or has less hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-)
geneticA technology used to alter the genetic material of living modification cells in order to make them capable of producing new substances or performing new functions.
a siteOne of a ribosome's three binding sites for tRNA during translation
cell lineageThe ancestry of a cell.
microreactorA minitiarized reaction system used for chemical synthesis.
rootAn organ in vascular plants that anchors the plant and enables it to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
complementA plasma protein system involved in immune defense
characterIn the context of evolution and development, a "character" refers to a more or less discrete trait (feature) of an organism at any level of observation, from the molecular to the visible
gram-negativeLosing the stain or decolorization by alcohol in Gram's method of staining, a primary characteristic of certain microorganisms.
flood basaltSee plateau basalt.
primary immune responseThe initial acquired immune response to an antigen, which appears after a lag of about 10 to 17 days.
metric characterCharacteristics that are measures not counts (e.g., height of an individual)
aneuploidPolyploid individual whose chromosome complement is not comprised of an even number of the full set of the haploid chromosome number for the species.
seismic waveSuccessive wave-type displacement of rock usually caused by an earthquake.
heritabilityThe proportion of variation in a trait among individuals in a population that can be attributed to genetic effects.
phenotypic enhancementThis term is used to identify and describe interaction data displayed at SGD
supercoiled dnaSupertwisted, covalently-closed duplex DNA.
nektonfree-swimming animals that control their own direction in the water column, such as fish
cytoskeletonFilamentous structures which are responsible for cell shape
gene cloningthe process of separating a gene and making identical copies of it.
homeotic geneAny of the genes that control the overall body plan of animals and plants by controlling the developmental fate of groups of cells.
cartilageA type of flexible connective tissue with an abundance of collagenous fibers embedded in chondroitin sulfate.
composite transposonA transposible element flanked by two copies of an IS element.
thrombocytopeniaThe technical term for a low platelet count.
hybrid selectionSéquençage : Détermination de l'ordre linéaire des composants d'une macromolécule
oöcyteImmature follicles contain oöcytes that are arrested in late prophase I
puromycinAn antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis
autoregulationSee autogenous regulation.
amphizoicSee amphitrophic.
falsifiabilityA measure of whether the results of a method allow one to determine if assumptions used have been violated.
conjugationF- cell A bacterial cell that does not contain a fertility factor
leeSide of a slope that is opposite to the direction of flow of ice, wind, or water
crossing overReciprocal exchange of corresponding segments between homologous chromosomes, resulting in recombination of genetic elements.
organic chemistryThe study of carbon compounds (organic compounds).
antimutatorA mutation that decreases the overall mutation rate, often by modifying DNA polymerase.
basophilA white blood cell that contributes to inflammatory reactions
plastidMember of a family of plant organelles including chloroplasts, chromoplasts, leucoplasts, amyloplasts, and elaioplasts.
evaporation panMeteorological instrument that is used to measure evaporation rates.
upper air westerliesConsistent winds that exist in the upper troposphere that flow east to west from about 20° of latitude to the poles.
mass spectrometryA method for identifying molecules based on the detection of the mass-to-charge ratio of ions generated from the molecule by vaporization and electron bombardment
registryA collection of medical information, clinical data, and demographics (age, male or female, etc.) about people with a specific disease or condition.
somatic cellsAll the cells of the body outside the germline
cerebrospinal fluidBlood-derived fluid that surrounds, protects against infection, nourishes, and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
photolithographyA process that utilizes selective masking to generate light patterns that direct chemical transformations within a photosensitive surface.
directional selectionNatural selection that favors individuals at one end of the phenotypic range.
valence  The characteristic number of chemical bonds that an atom can form.
vaccinea preparation of either whole disease-causing organisms (killed or weakened) or parts of such organisms, used to confer immunity against the disease that the organisms cause
genotypeall the traits, dominant and recessive, that an organism inherits
wavelengthDistance between two successive wave crests or troughs.
diotic/die-AWT-ick/ adj
gram-negative bacteriaA group of bacteria with a cell wall composed of an outer membrane surrounding a thin peptidoglycan layer
halophileA microorganism that grows optimally in a highly saline environment.
langerhans cellsDendritic cells in the skin that pick up antigen and transport it to lymph nodes.
climateThe prevailing weather conditions at a locality
due diligencethe process by research is conducted to determine the value of an investment, licensing agreement, merger, or other similar activity.
exponential distributionA continuous distribution with density λ exp(λx)
functional groupA specific configuration of atoms commonly attached to the carbon skeletons of organic molecules and usually involved in chemical reactions.
gravelA term used to describe unconsolidated sediments composed of rock fragments
gamma aminobutyric acidAn amino acid that functions as a CNS neurotransmitter.
excretionThe process of removing the waste products of cellular metabolism from the body.
spitA long and narrow accumulation of sand and/or gravel that projects into a body of ocean water
minimal mediumA defined medium that provides only the minimum number of different nutrients needed for growth of a particular bacterium.
cooperative bindingA situation in which the binding of one ligand to a macromolecule favors the binding of another
geneticsThe study of traits passed on from parent to child and variation of those traits within and between individuals.
cellFundamental structural unit of all life
chemiosmotic couplingThe generation of ATP from energy stored in a proton gradient across a membrane.
mrnaAn RNA molecule that serves as a template for protein synthesis.
crossbreedingMating of individuals from different breeds
graben faultThis fault is produced when tensional stresses result in the subsidence of a block of rock
cation exchange capacityThe capacity of a soil to exchange cations with the soil solution
mast cellA vertebrate body cell that produces histamine and other molecules that trigger the inflammatory response.
dendritic cell/den-DRIT-ik/ A type of leukocyte that functions as an antigen-presenting cell, activating T lymphocytes
parasitismA symbiotic relationship in which the symbiont (parasite) benefits at the expense of the host by living either within the host (endoparasite) or outside the host (ectoparasite)
population genetics"Population genetics is a field of biology that studies the genetic composition of biological populations, and the changes in genetic composition that result from the operation of various factors, including natural selection
resource partitioningThe division of environmental resources by coexisting species such that the niche of each species differs by one or more significant factors from the niches of all coexisting species.
antidoteA substance that counteracts the effects of a poison.
dinoflagellateA type of unicellular alga
vectorSee: cloning vector
lymphatic system  [Greek lympha water]  The system of vessels that drain excess fluid (lymph) from tissues, through collecting centers (lymph nodes), and eventually back into the blood stream.  Lymph nodes are important in immunity as collecting sites for bacteria and viruses and as the sites for production of lymphocytes.
endemicAn organism found only in one particular location.
euglenaA motile unicellular freshwater autotrophic organism traditionally classified as a plant-like member of the kingdom Protista (algae).
elastic fiberA long thread made of the protein elastin
gene conversionA meiotic process in which nonreciprocal exchange of genetic information occurs as a result of heteroduplex formation between non-sister chromatids
tephraFragmented rock material ejected by a volcanic explosion
pediatricianA primary care physician who specializes in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
hypothesisA tentative answer to a well-framed question.
snowA type of solid precipitation that forms in clouds with an air temperature below freezing
lithospherethe rigid top layer of the earth that includes the crust (see tectonic plate) and the upper mantle
bioinformaticsUsing computing power, software, and mathematical models to process and integrate biological information from large data sets.
intracellular signal transductionA chain of reactions that transmits chemical signals from the cell surface to their intracellular targets.
communityAll the different species of organisms living together and interacting in a particular environment.
tumoral transformationTransformé : Qualifie un organisme issu d'une transformation génétique
rainshadow effectReduction of precipitation commonly found on the leeward side of a mountain
dacryorrhea/dack-ree-oh-REE-ə/ n
vaccineA preparation that contains either whole disease-causing organisms such as viruses which have been killed or weakened, or parts of such organisms, used to confer immunity against the disease that the organisms cause
means of escapethe opportunity and mechanism by which a bacterium is able to leave its reservoir.
prophyllA leaf formed at the base of a shoot, usually smaller than those formed subsequently.
systolic pressureBlood pressure in the arteries during contraction of the ventricles.
porphyrinA complex planar structure containing four substituted pyrroles covalently joined in a ring and frequently containing a central metal atom
transmitted lightIllumination which passes through a medium.
earth revolutionRefers to the orbit of the Earth around the Sun
inbreeding depressionthe decrease in health or fertility because of inbreeding.
leukemiaCancer that begins in developing blood cells in the bone marrow.
additive theoremThe probability of the occurrence of one of several mutually exclusive events is the sum of probabilities associated with each individual event.
rnai codeA vague term meaning little more "the sum total of what we know about the role of RNA interference" in gene expression.
van der waals forcesRefers to the combined effect of two types of interactions, one attractive and one repulsive
circadianA biological activity with a periodicity of 24 hrs that is independent of environmental variation.
basinA topographic rock structure whose shape is concave downwards.
kin selectionA phenomenon of inclusive fitness, used to explain altruistic behavior between related individuals.
physical mapA map showing the locations of identifiable markers spaced along the chromosomes
muA bacteriophage that reproduces by transposition
diplotene/DIP-low-teen/ n
exotoxinA toxin released by a microbe.
devonianGeologic period that occurred roughly 360 to 408 million years ago
gene expression profilingA technique for classifying cells, such as tumor cells, based on the activity of their genes
marfan's syndromeA human genetic disorder that consists of an abnormal phenotype including heart defects and very long limbs & digits
pollutantA substance that has a harmful effect on the health, survival, or activities of humans or other living organisms.
yeastA type of single-celled fungus important for their capacity to perform the fermentation.
trace elementAn element indispensable for life but required in extremely minute amounts.
rii locusA region from phage T4 that determines whether this phage can grow on E
pseudopodiaFingerlike extensions from an amoeboid cell; literally "false feet".
evolutionary computationUsing evolutionary processes—especially natural selection—to solve computational problems
calicivirusThe virus that causes Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD) in rabbits
germ layersThree main layers that form the various tissues and organs of an animal body.
chemiluminescenceThe release of light (photons) as the result of a chemical reaction.
hygroscopic coefficientMaximum limit of hygroscopic water around the surface of a soil particle.
editingAltering a nucleic acid sequence so as to preserve accuracy of information transfer.
parthenogenesisthe development of an individual from an egg without fertilization.
velocityThe speed of movement of an object in one direction.
cytogenicsthe study of the genetic implications of chromosome structure and behavior.
genetic diversityGenetic variability found in a population of a species or all of the populations of a species
photodynamic therapyA treatment based on the uptake by target cells of photoactivatable molecules that destroy the cells upon exposure to a specific light source.
humoralContained in a bodily fluid.
developmentA learner's attainment of new levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities
tumor initiationThe first step in tumor development, resulting from abnormal proliferation of a single cell.
map unitA unit of genetic length derived from recombination frequency
extremophileAn organism that thrives in environments that are at the extremes of conditions where life is normally found.
minimal genomeThe smallest number of genes an organism needs to stay alive in a particular environment
eluviationMovement of humus, chemical substances, and mineral particles from the upper layers of a soil to lower layers by the downward movement of water through the soil profile
polyamineA hydrocarbon containing more than two amino groups.
dehydration reactionA chemical reaction in which two molecules covalently bond to one another with the removal of a water molecule.
proton  A subatomic particle in the nuclei of atoms.  A proton has a single positive electrical charge.
hormonea chemical messenger that circulates in the blood, usually triggering some kind of physiological response.
nervous tissueTissue made up of neurons and supportive cells.
chlorophyll bA type of yellow-green accessory photosynthetic pigment that transfers energy to chlorophyll a.
stratus cloudsLow altitude gray colored cloud composed of water droplets
hybridomaFused cancer and immune cell used for antibody production
surface tensionTension of a liquid's surface
electrophoresisThe movement of charged particles through a fluid following the application of an electric field.
daughterless carpCarp which only produce male fish
herbicidea weed killer used in the production of crops.
licensean agreement to grant rights to a patent or tangible subject.
monohybridAn organism that is heterozygous with respect to a single gene of interest
club fungusThe common name for members of the phylum Basidiomycota
protistA relatively undifferentiated organism that can survive as a single cell.
standard deviationMeasure of variability, obtained as the square root of the variance
combinatorial chemistryA technique for systematically assembling molecular building blocks in many combinations to create thousands of diverse compounds.
continental shieldSee shield.
immune systemThe body's defense system that destroys potentially harmful foreign substances or organisms that enter the body
enzymeA molecule that helps chemical reactions take place
single molecule detectionObservations of the dynamics of single molecules
threatened speciesSpecies that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range.
surgeA large, destructive ocean wave caused by very low atmospheric pressure and strong winds
downwelling currentOcean current that travels downward into the ocean because of the convergence of opposing horizontal currents or because of an accumulation of seawater.
electrophoresisUsing an electric charge to separate molecules in a solution or gel according to size
sequential hermaphroditismA reproductive pattern in which an individual reverses its sex during its lifetime.
leukocytesAll white blood cells.
arteryA vessel that carries blood away from the heart to organs throughout the body
cambrian explosionGreat diversification of multicellular life forms in the Earth's oceans that started during the Cambrian about 570 million years ago.
rockA compact and consolidated mass of mineral matter
productivityRate of energy fixation or storage of biomass by plants
dosage rescueThis term is used to identify and describe interaction data displayed at SGD
kinorhynchMember of a phylum of tiny spiny animals (phylum Kinorhyncha).
chelatorA molecule that binds metal ions.
genetic polymorphismThe existence of two or more genetically different classes within a population.
monocyteA type of blood cell involved in inflammatory reactions.
gallsStructures induced in a plant by a parasite (e.g., a bacterium or an insect) that nurture that parasite.
monoeciousA term typically used to describe an angiosperm species in which carpellate and staminate flowers are on the same plant.
phylogenetic treeA tree-like diagram that depicts the evolutionary relationships between different organisms.
soil fertilityThe ability of a soil to provide nutrients for plant growth.
comparison microscopeTwo microscopes joined by an optical bridge to present a split-view, side-by-side comparison of two specimens; for example, two hairs on separate slides.
cellular immunityImmune protection provided by the direct action of immune cells (as distinct from soluble molecules such as antibodies).
simulationAn emulation of biological systems with predictive value for research; a virtual biological system.
density-dependent inhibitionThe phenomenon observed in normal animal cells that causes them to stop dividing when they come into contact with one another.
null hypothesisIn statistical analysis, a hypothesis proposing that there is no statistically significant difference between the observed results of an experiment and the expected results.
thromboxaneAn eicosanoid involved in blood clotting.
condensation nucleiMicroscopic particle of dust, smoke or salt that allows for condensation of water vapor to water droplets in the atmosphere
cytoplasmic inheritanceSee: cytoplasmic trait
sea-floor spreadingThe process of oceanic crust creation and sea-floor movement that occurs at the mid-oceanic ridge.
macromoleculeA giant molecule formed by the joining of smaller molecules, usually by a condensation reaction
diplomonadA protist that has modified mitochondria, two equal-sized nuclei, and multiple flagella.
genomeAll the DNA contained in an organism
earth system modelA type of complex, global model that combines physical climate models, global biological processes, and human activities.
protoplast fusionThe fusing of two protoplasts from different plant species that would otherwise be reproductively incompatible.
epigenesisThe development of an organism from a zygote through cell differentiation and formation of morphology
tandem repeatsA series of repeated sequences, arrayed next to each other.
myofibrilA bundle of actin and myosin filaments in muscle cells.
probandThe first person to be studied, from whom genetic descent may be traced.
recessiveOne of a pair of alleles that fails to be expressed in the phenotype of the organism when the dominant allele is present
follicle-stimulating hormoneA protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the production of eggs by the ovaries and sperm by the testes.
secondary growthGrowth produced by lateral meristems, thickening the roots and shoots of woody plants.
chemical energyEnergy consumed or produced in chemical reactions.
peristomeThe upper part of the moss capsule (sporangium) often specialized for gradual spore discharge.
sgdidA unique identifying number within SGD which is specific for a single item such as a feature name.
random matingMating system in which any individual of one sex is equally likely to mate with any individual of the opposite sex with respect to one or more traits; also referred to as panmixis.
bench notesA laboratory analyst's recorded notes.
topoisomerMacromolecular isomers that differ in topology.
t-cellsBelong to a group of white blood cells known as lymphocytes, and play a central role in cell-mediated immunity.
prostaglandinAn oxygenated eicosanoid that has a hormonal function
positive predictive valueThe probability of an individual having a particular disorder following a positive test, i.e
erosional landformIs a landform formed from the removal of weathered and eroded surface materials by wind, water, glaciers, and gravity
hydrogen ionA single proton with a charge of 1+
immune responseA highly specific defensive reaction of the body to invasion by a foreign substance or organism; consists of a primary response in which the invader is recognized as foreign, or "not-self," and eliminated and a secondary response to subsequent attacks by the same invader
humoral immunityImmunity mediated by humoral antibodies.
dna carriers1
evolutionprocess by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms; any change in the relative frequencies of alleles in the gene pool of a population.
tornado warningA warning issued to the public that a tornado has been observed by an individual in a specified region
adenosine triphosphateAn adenine-containing nucleoside triphosphate that releases free energy when its phosphate bonds are hydrolyzed
hSee gene diversity.
transposable elementA class of DNA sequences that can move from one chromosomal site to another.
thrust faultA geologic fault where the hanging wall is forced over the foot wall.
heteroimmune phageA phage that is not sensitive to the repression of lytic development by another prophage in the infected cell.
spectroscopyThe study of molecular or atomic structure of a substance by observation of its interaction with electromagnetic radiation.
vulvaCollective term for the female external genitalia.
ketoneA functional group of an organic compound in which a carbon atom is double-bonded to an oxygen
needs assessmentIdentifying job related requirements, training needs, targeted learners, and learner knowledge prerequisites.
cerebral hemisphereThe right or left side of the vertebrate brain.
vitaminAn organic molecule required in the diet in very small amounts
electrochemical gradientThe diffusion gradient of an ion, representing a type of potential energy that accounts for both the concentration difference of the ion across a membrane and its tendency to move relative to the membrane potential.
lycophyteAny member of the spore-bearing vascular plant group Lycophyta
canopyThe uppermost layer of vegetation in a terrestrial biome.
vertebrateschordates with a backbone; these include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
old growth forestClimax forests dominated by late successional species of trees that are hundreds to thousands of years old
moneraGroup, at the kingdom level, in the classification of life
corollaCollective term for the petals of a flower.
conditional mutantA mutant that can grow under one set (permissive) of environmental conditions but cannot grow under different (restrictive or nonpermissive) conditions
spongy parenchymaIn plant leaves, a tissue composed of loosely arranged chloroplast-containing parenchyma cells.
selection pressureThe intensity of natural genetic selection processes
opisthokontMember of the clade Opisthokonta, organisms that descended from an ancestor with a posterior flagellum, including fungi, animals, and certain protists.
hydration shellThe sphere of water molecules around each dissolved ion.
stable isotopeAn isotope that does not undergo radioactive decay.
strainAn organism that is geneticaly different from others of the same species
cascadeA sequence of successive activation reactions.
biological magnificationA trophic process in which retained substances become more concentrated with each link in the food chain.
dysneuria/dis-NUHR-ee-yə/ n
anticipation  The phenomenon of younger age of appearance of a late onset trait in succeeding generations.  The only known cause of anticipation is trinucleotide expansion.
rdnaSee ribosomal DNA.
asymptomaticShowing or causing no symptoms
dtmpThymidine monophosphate.
disomyMeaning ‘two bodies'
substance pA neuropeptide that is a key excitatory signal that mediates our perception of pain.
food webThe elaborate, interconnected feeding relationships in an ecosystem.
monogenic inheritanceSee: monogenic disorder
extraembryonic membranesFour membranes (yolk sac, amnion, chorion, allantois) that support the developing embryo in mammals and birds and other reptiles
sequencingThe process of determining the order of the bases in a region of DNA.
parthenogenesisA type of reproduction in which females produce offspring from unfertilized eggs.
prokaryoticcell without a nucleus, has a nuclear area.
splicingwhich occurs after
arteriosclerosisA cardiovascular disease caused by the formation of hard plaques within the arteries.
migrationMovement from place to place
jouleA unit of energy: 1 J = 0.239 cal; 1 cal = 4.184 J
hydrolysisThe rupture of a chemical bond by a reaction that involves water.
summationA phenomenon of neural integration in which the membrane potential of the postsynaptic cell in a chemical synapse is determined by the total activity of all excitatory and inhibitory presynaptic impulses acting on it at any one time.
helixA spiral structure with a repeating pattern.
e. colia common intestinal bacterium
loamA soil that contains a roughly equal mixture of clay, sand, and silt
biotinA small molecule that binds with high affinity to avidin and streptavidin
modelingUse of statistical and computational techniques to create working computer-based models of biological phenomena that can help to formulate hypotheses for experimentation and predict outcomes of research.
fitnessA measure of the health of a species in terms of physiology and future reproductive success.
phenylalanine levelThe level of phenylalanine measured in the blood
ultisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
cirrostratus cloudsHigh altitude sheet like clouds composed of ice crystals
cellular immune responseImmune response produced when sensitized T-cells (T lympocytes) directly attack foreign antigens and also stimulate initiation of the body's humoral immune response
plate boundaryThe contact zone between two plates
agaroseAn uncharged polysaccharide purified from agar
allopatryThe complete separation of populations by geographic barriers.
intradomainWithin a single protein domain.
dehydrogenaseAn enzyme that catalyzes the removal of a pair of electrons (and usually one or two protons) from a substrate molecule.
salicylic acidA plant hormone that may be partially responsible for activating systemic acquired resistance to pathogens.
otuSee operational taxonomic unit.
empiric riskA risk estimate that is given for the chance of occurrence or recurrence of a particular condition in an individual based on the observation of other families with that condition.
homologyThe degree of identity between individuals, or characters
half-lifeThe average time required for the disappearance or decay of one-half of any amount of a given substance.
markerDNA sequences occurring at known locations on chromosomes
atomic nucleus  Atomic numbers vary from 1 for hydrogen to 103 for the man-made element Lawrencium.  The chemical properties of an element are a function of the number of protons in the nucleus, which in turn determine the stable number of electrons in the surrounding shells.
adenylate cyclaseThe enzyme that catalyzes the formation of cyclic 3',5' adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) from ATP.
retrovirusA type of virus
steroid  Any of a class of chemical compounds that have in common the steroid structure, a complex four-ring structure
symportThe transport of two molecules in the same direction across a membrane.
hypothesisA tentative assumption that is made for the purpose of empirical scientific testing
genetic screeningTesting of individuals for a gene or metabolite.
amyotrophic lateral sclerosisAn inherited, fatal degenerative nerve disorder; also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
oxisolSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
scaffoldThe molecular core common to all members of a combinatorial library; also proteins that are instrumental in the assembly of large 3-D structures.
tidal volumeThe volume of air an animal inhales and exhales with each breath.
adaptionThe ability to physiologically adjust to a new environment while exposed to that particular environment
sinkholeA pit like hole in found in areas of karst
counter-radiationRedirection of the Earth's longwave radiation back to the surface because of the greenhouse effect.
in vivoOccurring in a living organism.
proof of conceptStatistical proof of a drugs efficacy in a relevant patient group.
disaccharidesn
nucleophilic groupAn electron-rich group that tends to attack an electron-deficient nucleus.
complete metamorphosisThe transformation of a larva into an adult that looks very different, and often functions very differently in its environment, than the larva.
barkAll tissues external to the vascular cambium in a plant growing in thickness, consisting of phloem, phelloderm, cork cambium, and cork.
inbreedingThe mating of individuals that are closely related genetically.
variationDifference among individuals in a population.
basic researchaimed at gaining more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific applications in mind
latent heat of vaporizationThe amount of heat energy required from the environment to change the state of a liquid to a gas
hexoseA type of sugar molecule that contains six carbon atoms (e.g., glucose, fructose).
long-day plantA plant that flowers, usually in late spring or early summer, only when the light period is longer than a critical length.
undercut bankSteep bank found on the inside of stream meanders
gene transferThe introduction of functional (usually cloned) genes into cells and organisms
methaneMethane is very strong greenhouse gas found in the atmosphere
western blotTransfer of proteins from an acrylamide gel onto a membrane filter for the detection with specific antibodies.
tonicityThe ability of a solution to cause a cell within it to gain or lose water.
membraneA membrane is a thin, film-like structure that separates two fluids
polytopicCommonly used to describe membrane proteins that span the membrane multiple times, such that different regions of the protein are exposed on opposite sides of the membrane
intercalated diskA specialized junction between cardiac muscle cells that provides direct electrical coupling between cells.
domainA discrete portion of a protein with its own function
aerobicThe presence of oxygen
aerosolA colloid of liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas, usually air.
fahrenheit scaleScale for measuring temperature
bromeliadPlants of the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae)
ornithischiaOne of the two lineages that make up the Dinosauria
herbaceousReferring to nonwoody plants.
established cell lineCultured cells that may be subcultured indefinitely.
fenA habitat composed of woodland and swamp.
eutrophicationDeath of organisms in a lake or pond due to an overabundance of algae that consume all of the dissolved oxygen in the water
fluorescenceThe emission of electromagnetic radiation following absorption of shorter wave length light.
biosphereAll living organisms.
flood tideTime during the tidal period when the tide is rising
chemical markup languageA computional language for the management of chemical data.
epicanthic foldsSkin folds of the upper eyelids covering the inner corners of the eyes.
enkephalinA neuropeptide that acts as a natural analgesic.
cell plateA membrane-enclosed disclike structure that forms new cell walls during cytokinesis of higher plants.
riverA long narrow channel of water that flows as a function of gravity and elevation across the Earth's surface
marsupialan animal (usually a mammal) in which embryos complete their development in a maternal pouch called a “marsupium.”
bathymetrythe study and mapping of sea floor elevations and changes in water depth due to structures that rise up into the water column.
synapsisPairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
sporangiophoreA stalk bearing one or more sporangia.
phenotypeObservable characteristics, determined by the individual's genotype and its environment.
gelisolsSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
dermographia/DERM-ə-GRAF-ee-yə/ n
replisomeA large multi-protein complex that performs DNA replication.
windAir moving horizontally and/or vertically.
invertebrateAn animal without a backbone; invertebrates make up 95% of animal species.
algorithmFormal set of instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or execute a task
multiregional modelThe hypothesis that different hominins found across the Old World (such as Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalensis) evolved in situ into modern human populations
utrophinAutosomal homologue of dystrophin
x element core sequenceThe only region shared by all chromosome ends, the X element core sequence is a small conserved element (~475 bp) that contains an ARS sequence and in most cases an Abf1p binding site
fibrinogenThe inactive form of the plasma protein that is converted to the active form fibrin, which aggregates into threads that form the framework of a blood clot
treeA large woody plant that has a trunk which supports branches and leaves.
hydroxylamineNH2OH
damn
methaneA colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas (CH4)
computational biologyComputational technologies for the collection, structuring, and mining of biological data that make possible prediction and knowledge discovery.
ampAbbreviation of adenosine monophosphate.
foldingThe acquisition of 3-D structure by a protein; the pattern of the 3-D structure that is the result of the folding process.
paleosolA soil exhibiting features that are the result of some past conditions and processes.
antagonistan agent which causes a reduced response.
kmSee Michaelis constant.
convectional liftingThe vertical lifting of parcels of air through convective heating of the atmosphere
lateriteHard subsurface deposit of oxides of aluminum and iron found in tropical soils where the water table fluctuates with seasonal changes in precipitation.
dna annotationSee genome annotation
dominant alleleThis is an allele which will completely hide the effects of a recessive allele.
saprobesAn organism that utilizes dead organic matter for food.
biopsyRemoval of a small amount of tissue for examination.
libraryAn unordered collection of clones (i.e., cloned DNA from a particular organism) whose relationship to each other can be established by physical mapping
hydrophobicHaving an aversion to water; tending to coalesce and form droplets in water.
tropicalA climate warm enough to allow continual plant growth, sometimes arbitrarily defined as having a mean annual temperature greater than 25¡ C
retinaThe innermost layer of the vertebrate eye, containing photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) and neurons; transmits images formed by the lens to the brain via the optic nerve.
collateral relativeRelated through a common ancestor, not by a direct line of descent
originThe arbitrary starting point on a graph or grid coordinate system
distal/DIS-təl/ adj
prenylationThe addition of specific types of lipids (prenyl groups) to C-terminal cysteine residues of a polypeptide chain.
feedback inhibitionSee end-product inhibition.
locomotionActive movement from place to place.
t-lymphocyteA white blood cell derived from lymphoid stem cells in the thymus that is responsible for cell-mediated immunity and for stimulating B lymphocytes
open reading frameAny region of DNA or RNA where a protein could be encoded
alternation of generationsHaving two life forms during the life cycle, found in plants; the sporophyte which produce the micro and megasporocytes and the gametophyte which produces the male and female gametes.
contingencycharacteristic of an event that is only one of several logically or physically possible outcomes.
anti-mullerian hormone  [Gene symbol AMH.] A hormone secreted by the Sertoli cells of the seminiferous tubules in the testes of developing male embryos and fetuses
kinetic energyThe energy of motion, which is directly related to the speed of that motion
imineA molecule containing a nitrogen atom attached to a carbon atom by a double bond
diploid cellA cell that contains two chromosomes (2N) of each type.
gastrinA digestive hormone, secreted by the stomach, that stimulates the secretion of gastric juice.
signalA behavior that causes a change in behavior in another animal.
prodrugAn inactive drug precursor that is activated by a biological process, such as enzymatic cleavage.
microvilliProjections from the cell surfaces of an embryo involved in the exchange of gases and nutrients.
therontA form adopted by some species of ciliates that typically does not feed but moves quickly
pelagicrefers to all marine environments, including neritic and oceanic (open ocean) areas.
ribosomal rnaThe abundant RNA component of both cytosolic and mitochondrial ribosomes
lightA humanly visible form of electromagnetic radiation
nummiformNƏM-ə-form, NƏM-yə-ler/ Circular, oval, coin-shaped.
open circulatory systemAn arrangement of internal transport in which blood bathes the organs directly and there is no distinction between blood and interstitial fluid.
model ecosystemA specific type of ecosystem that is widely studied in great detail by a community of researchers to provide insights into the processes controlling the behavior of other ecosystems.
subtree pruning and regraftingA method for searching phylogenetic tree space whereby a new tree is generated from a starting tree by moving entire branches (along with subbranches) to a new position in the tree.
histone deacetylaseHDAC is a transcription-regulating enzyme that is responsible for enhancing the growth and division of tumor cells.
ground moraineA thick layer of till deposited by a melting glacier.
double fertilizationFlowering plants have evolved a unique fertilization process, which involves two sperm cells and two female gametophytic cells, the egg and the central cell
capillisporeA special type of secondary conidium, which is produced on a slender capillary tube (conidiophore) developing on primary or secondary conidia.
placeboa mock-treatment used in single-blind or double-blind experiments to eliminate bias from experiment subjects or administrators, respectively.
nitrificationThe biochemical oxidation of ammonium to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate
boosterA secondary immunization used to increase a weak immune response to a primary immunization.
leachingProcess in which water removes and transports soil humus and inorganic nutrients in solution.
gleysol soilSoil order (type) of the Canadian System of Soil Classification
juvenile hormoneA hormone in arthropods, secreted by the corpora allata glands, that promotes the retention of larval characteristics.
sporangiferoushaving sporangia
d-loopA structure formed when one strand of a duplex DNA molecule is displaced by a single-strand of homologous invading DNA
haemoglobinThe protein found in the blood of most vertebrates and some invertebrates that carries oxygen to the organs and tissues of the body.
nucleoside analogSee analog.
immunogenicityCausing or capable of producing an immune response.
biological controlThe control of a population of one organism by another organism
neutral solutionAny water solution that is neutral (pH approximately 7) or has an equal quantity of hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-)
colonyA collection of autonomously replicating cells of the same species.
small circleA circle on the globe's surface that does not bisect the center of the Earth
metanephridiumIn annelid worms, a type of excretory tubule with internal openings called nephrostomes that collect body fluids and external openings called nephridiopores.
emigrationMigration of an organism out of an area for the purpose of changing its residence permanently
genetic programmingGenerating computer programs by selection on a population of variant programs
great circleAn imaginary circle drawn on the Earth's surface that has its center synchronize to the center of the planet
point mutationMutation involving only one nucleotide pair.
patentA declaration issued by a government agency declaring someone the inventor of a new invention and having the privilege of stopping others from making, using or selling the claimed invention.
hipaaHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
diapauseA resting stage that allows organisms to survive harsh conditions.
mass movementGeneral term that describes the downslope movement of sediment, soil, and rock material.
vegetative reproductionCloning of plants by asexual means.
white matterThe CNS contains ‘grey matter', containing the bodies of nerve cells, and ‘white matter', which is made mainly of nerve fibres (axons)
parametersUser-derived values used to set the boundaries of an algorithm.
chemokineAny of about 50 different proteins, secreted by many cell types near a site of injury or infection, that help direct migration of white blood cells to an injury site and induces other changes central to inflammation.
allopatric speciationthe process by which, in theory, a new species originates when a population that is geographically separated from the rest of the species becomes unable to reproduce with the original population.
antagonistMolecule that bond to the receptor site of a protein
ventricle(1) A heart chamber that pumps blood out of a heart
active immunityThe natural immunological response to an antigen.
achondroplasia  A dominantly inherited form of dwarfism characterized by short limbs but normal trunk
oncologistA specialist who treats cancer patients.
bayh-dole actprovides the statutory basis and framework for federal technology transfer activities, including patenting and licensing federally funded inventions to commercial ventures.
arthus reactionA complement-dependent hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when an antigen reacts with a precipitating antibody, forming microprecipitates that damage cells.
sclerenchyma cellA type of plant cell characterized by thick cell walls that provide structural support to the plant.
potential evapotranspirationIs a measure of the ability of the atmosphere to remove water from the surface through the processes of evaporation and transpiration assuming no limitation on water supply.
morphological species conceptThe idea that species are defined by measurable anatomical criteria.
anaemiaA condition that is due to a reduced number of red blood cells or reduced amounts of haemoglobin within them
perturbagenA molecule or peptide that disrupts intracellular processes, providing information about the operation of pathways and networks within the cell.
phase ii clinical trialSmall–scale drug studies in patients that are designed to characterize a drug's effects on a particular disease
sgd gene naming guidelinesThe rules used by SGD curators to give genes names conforming to standard yeast nomenclature
shared primitive characterA character displayed in species outside a particular taxon.
immunoglobulinA family of proteins involved in the immune system
in vitroexperimental procedures carried out in test-tubes, beakers, etc.
anticipationEach generation of offspring has increased severity of a genetic disorder; e.g., a grandchild may have earlier onset and more severe symptoms than the parent, who had earlier onset than the grandparent
double-strand breakA cut through both strands of the DNA backbone, resulting in two exposed double-stranded ends.
thermosphereAtmospheric layer above the mesosphere (above 80 kilometers) characterized by air temperatures rising rapidly with height
obesitya medical term describing a condition where body fat has accumulated to levels which may negatively impact on the health of the individual.
geographic barrierany physical feature of the earth that separates two populations and prevents interbreeding between them.
antigenA foreign substance that triggers antibody formation and is bound by the corresponding antibody.
carboxyl groupThe acidic -COOH functional group found in organic molecules.
imperfect fungusSee deuteromycete.
genomic epidemiologyThe genome-wide study of the relation between genetic variation and disease.
hydrogen bondA type of weak chemical bond formed when the slightly positive hydrogen atom of a polar covalent bond in one molecule is attracted to the slightly negative atom of a polar covalent bond in another molecule.
age-specific survivorshipProportion of individuals which survive from birth to the beginning of a specific age class.
oceanic zoneThe region of water lying over deep areas beyond the continental shelf.
phageA virus that infects bacteria; also called a bacteriophage.
dysplasiaAn early stage of carcinogenesis characterized by changes in epithelial morphology.
conjugative transposonA transposon that encodes functions required for conjugation.
pyramid of biomassGraphic model describing the distribution of biomass in an ecosystem or community at the trophic level
diaphragma large, thin sheet of muscle that seals the airtight sac or chamber containing the lungs, and completely separates the chest cavity from the abdomen.
conjugated proteinsProteins conjugated to other molecules, such as lipids, carbohydrates, heme, or synthetic labels.
action potentialNerve impulses that travel along axons.
polygenicA condition or characteristic that is caused by many different genes acting together.
translationProcess by which the information on a mRNA molecule is used to direct the synthesis of a protein.
reporter geneSee: marker
micelleThe structure formed by amphipathic molecules in solution that places the polar group toward the solution and the hydrophobic group toward the interior.
dew pointDew point is the temperature at which water vapor saturates from an air mass into liquid or solid usually forming rain, snow, frost or dew
antibodiesAntigens are found on the surface of blood and other tissue cells as well as bacteria and viruses.
soma  [Greek soma body.] Soma is a general term meaning body
vaccineImmunogenic material capable of stimulating active immunity or, in the case of DNA vaccines, of directing the synthesis of proteins that stimulate immunity
pharmacogenomicsThe evaluation of individual genomic variation in relation to the delivery and effectiveness of drugs
crocodyliformesA lineage of archosaurian reptiles that includes a diverse array of fossil and living crocodiles and their relatives.
null modelSee null allele.
acuteDescribes an illness that only affects an individual for a short period of time.
easterly waveAtmospheric disturbance in the tropical trade winds
follicleOvarian structure that stores the ovum and secretes female hormones.
haploidHalf ploidy
vectorAn organism (as an insect) that transmits a pathogen or an agent (as a virus) that contains or carries modified genetic material which can be replicated inside a host organism
binary fissionThe type of cell division by which prokaryotes reproduce
metamorphosisA change of form, especially the conversion of a larval form to an adult form.
ultracentrifugeA very high-speed centrifuge used to separate macromolecules.
lymphocyteA small white blood cell that plays a major role in defending the body against disease
multiple testingIf many significance tests are carried out, then some will reject the null hypothesis just by chance
abnormal resultA possible result of a screening test
antigenic driftThe accumulation of mutations that modify a molecule on the cell surface of a pathogen and thereby alters recognition by the host immune system
heterozygote advantageSee overdominance.
transposonA transposable genetic element that moves as a unit and inserts at new locations.
coccoidRounded in shape, ball-like.
volcanoAn elevated area of land created from the release of lava and ejection of ash and rock fragments from and volcanic vent.
signal transductionThe passage of a signal from one context to another, or its transformation from one molecular form to another
cirque glacierSmall glacier that just occupies a cirque.
phenotypeThe expression of a trait based on the genetic makeup or genotype.
coefficient of coincidenceNumber of double crossovers observed by experimentation divided by the expected number of double crossovers.
torporIn animals, a physiological state that conserves energy by slowing down the heart and respiratory systems.
recharge areaThe area on the Earth's surface that receives water for storage into a particular aquifer.
pioneer communityCommunity dominated by pioneer species of plants.
carpelA leaf-like structure that encloses the ovules and is the defining character of angiosperms
plantibodyAntibody produced by genetically engineered plants.
fossilsFossils are formed when the remains of a plant or animal become surrounded with sedimentary rock that hardens, leaving an image of the plant or animal that once was there.
random sampleSample of individuals drawn without regard to any specific criteria e.g., phenotype, genotype or relationship to other individuals.
luteinizing hormoneA tropic hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates ovulation in females and androgen production in males.
breedingmating and producing offspring
glycoprotein remodelingThe removal of oligosaccharides from a glycoprotein by a glycosidase.
heterozygoteAn individual who has two different alleles of a gene.
half-lifeThe number of years it takes for 50% of a sample of an isotope to decay.
mutantan organism with a new trait resulting from a mutation.
long-term memoryThe ability to hold, associate, and recall information over one's life.
serotoninA biogenic amine synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan.
incomplete flowerA flower lacking sepals, petals, stamens, or carpels.
reciprocal altruismAltruistic behavior between unrelated individuals, whereby the current altruistic individual benefits in the future when the current beneficiary reciprocates.
remote sensingThe gathering of information from an object or surface without direct contact.
egg cellThe female gametophytic cell that develops as the embryo after fertilization.
index contourContour line that is accentuated in thickness and is often labeled with the appropriate measure of elevation
immune systemThe processes and responses within an individual that resist infection or other illness.
passive transportThe diffusion of a substance across a biological membrane.
ice fogA fog that is composed of small suspended ice crystals
infectionThe introduction or entry of a pathogenic microorganism into a susceptible host, resulting in the presence of the microorganism within the body of the host, whether or not this causes detectable pathological effects (or overt disease )
bt cropsBt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis, a bio-toxin derived from soil bacterium
recombination(See Crossing over.)
ichthyosisany of several hereditary or congenital skin conditions; skin of affected individuals has a dry, scaly appearance.
vascular bundleA strand of vascular tissues (both xylem and phloem) in a stem or leaf.
nutraceuticalA nutrient that confers beneficial effects.
defective phageA phage that lacks one or more functions that are required for reproduction.
pitted topographyLandscape characterized by numerous kettle holes on a glacial outwash plain.
cytokinesPowerful chemical substances secreted by cells
thyroid-stimulating hormoneA hormone produced by the anterior pituitary that regulates the release of thyroid hormones.
cytoplasmic traitA genetic characteristic in which the genes are found outside the nucleus, in chloroplasts or mitochondria
metaboliteOne particular chemical intermediate generated in metabolism.
technology transferThe process of transferring scientific findings from research laboratories to the commercial sector.
initial public offeringthe initial sale of shares of a private company on public markets, turning it into a publicly-traded company.
ß-lactamaseAn enzyme that cleaves the ß-lactam ring of ß-lactam antibiotics, thus inactivating the antibiotics
carotenesRed and orange pigments that help capture light energy in plants.
infectiona state caused by the presence of a living agent (eg
fulminant hepatitisThe most severe form of hepatitis; may lead to acute liver failure and death.
apoptosisA form of cell death in which a programmed sequence of events leads to the elimination of cells without releasing harmful substances into the surrounding area
allelesVariant forms of the same gene
apoptosisThe natural process of programmed cell death as part of normal growth and development.
cyanobacteriaDivision of photosynthetic bacteria found in many environments, including oceans, fresh water, and soils
taxaCategories (e.g., phylum, order, family, genus, or species) used to classify animals and plants
xenopus laevisAn African clawed toad used to study developmental biology.
eukaryoteA Cell with a nucleus.
sporulationThe process of spore development.
reproductive cloningThe use of nuclear transfer to create a cloned organism.
gigatonOne billion metric tons; a metric ton is a unit of mass equal to 1000 kg (about 2200 lb).
neurotoxicCausing damage to nervous tissues
azygosporeA zygospore that develops parthenogenetically (development of sexual reproduction from the female gamete alone).
specialized(1) Of cells, having particular functions in a multicellular organism
density-dependent factorAny factor influencing population regulation that has a greater impact as population density increases.
pheromoneA hormone-like substance that acts as an attractant.
x-ray crystallographyan essential technique for determining the three-dimensional structure of biological molecules.
exergonicA reaction that releases energy.
safetyFreedom from danger.
self-organizationThe dynamic organization and interaction of the molecular components of living systems; the development of complex structures by the iteration of simple behaviors by individual components using only local information.
inbreedingthe crossing of two closely related beings.
muscular dystrophyrefers to a group of genetic myopathies in which a muscle protein is absent, deficient or abnormal
colonyA group of organisms of the same species living together in close association.
suspended loadPortion of the stream load that is carried almost permanently suspended in flowing water.
windwardUpwind side or side directly influenced to the direction that the wind blows from
haploidThe chromosome number equal to one complete set of the genetic endowment of a eukaryotic organism.
mammaliaA class of warm-blooded, fur-bearing vertebrates characterized by mammary glands, with which females produce milk to feed the young.
dtcDirect-To-Consumer is a type of genetic test that is available directly to the consumer without having to go through a health care professional.
bronchusOne of a pair of breathing tubes that branch from the trachea into the lungs.
ultracentrifugeA high-speed centrifuge that can attain speeds up to 60,000 rpm and centrifugal fields of 500,000 times gravity
prokaryotesprimitive cell type that lacks a nuclear membrane and membrane-bound organelles
oligotrophicTerm used to describe lakes or other bodies of water that lack nutrients and plant life and have high concentrations of dissolved oxygen.
archenteronThe endodermlined cavity, formed during the gastrulation process, that develops into the digestive tract of an animal.
hydraulic gradientThe slope of the water table or aquifer
apicomplexanA parasitic protozoan
dermal/DERM-əl/ adj
soluteA substance that is dissolved in a solution.
leaf traceA small vascular bundle that extends from the vascular tissue of the stem through the petiole and into a leaf.
artiodactylAny member of the mammalian order Artiodactyla, which includes cattle, swine, and deer
cloningThe process of making genetically identical copies.
meiosis iThe first division of a two-stage process of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that results in cells with half the chromosome number of the original cell.
enzymesand antibodies.
essential elementIn plants, a chemical element that is required for the plant to grow from a seed and complete the life cycle, producing another generation of seeds
filter matingA method where conjugation between donor and recipient bacteria is done on a millipore filter
wind vaneA mechanical device used to measure the direction of wind flow
fermentationAn anaerobic biochemical reaction in which an enzyme catalyzes the conversion of one substance into another.
barrier beachA long and narrow beach of sand and/or gravel that runs parallel to the coastline and is not submerged by the tide.
pluripotentCapable of differentiating into several final differentiated cell types.
recombinaseAn enzyme that catalyzes genetic recombination.
scidSevere Combined Immunodeficiency is an inherited condition affecting the immune system causing individuals to be more susceptible to infectious diseases.
vapor pressurePressure exerted by water vapor molecules in a given quantity of atmosphere.
isostacyThe buoyant condition of the Earth's crust floating in the asthenosphere
non-coding exonAn exon that does not direct the production of a peptide sequence.
duplication mutationthe production of a copy of some segment of DNA during meiosis.
recursionThe repetition of a data-processing algorithm until a pre-set threshold is reached.
geological time scaleA time scale established by geologists that reflects a consistent sequence of historical periods, grouped into four eras: Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.
steleThe central vascular cylinder in roots where xylem and phloem are located.
catastrophismThe hypothesis by Georges Cuvier that each boundary between strata corresponded in time to a catastrophe, such as a flood or drought, that had destroyed many of the species living there at that time.
demersalLiving on or near the bottom of a body of water.
atomic nucleusAn atom's central core, containing protons and neutrons.
synergistAn agent that increases the effectiveness of a ligand or other agent.
toxinPoisonous substance
ecotypeA genotype adapted to a particular environment.
declarativeKnowing the name of something, for example a car, house, or an airplane.
gated channelAn ion channel that allows ion entry under specific conditions.
autopolyploidyPolyploid in which all of the chromosome sets are derived from the same parent species.
cell wallRigid structure deposited outside the cell membrane
individualistic hypothesisThe concept, put forth by H
fertilizationThe union of haploid gametes to produce a diploid zygote
specificityMeasure of the accuracy of a test
hard selectionSelection where numbers produced by a patch are directly proportional to the relative survival of the individuals of that patch, see Web Notes.
male-specific phagePhages that only adsorb to receptor sites on the F-pilus.
coccolithophoreA type of single-celled marine algae distinguished by its production of intricate, microscopic shells that are aggregates of calcium carbonate discs called coccoliths.
dimorphismDisplaying two separate growth forms.
association constantThe measure of the degree of association of a complex
metadataInformation about data that facilitates access and use of the data.
conjunctivaA mucous membrane that helps keep the eye moist; lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the front of the eyeball, except the cornea.
nuclear envelopeDouble membrane enclosing the nucleus of a cell.
sensory receptionThe detection of the energy of a stimulus by sensory cells.
reflectionWhen light strikes a surface and then leaves at the same angle
contractureA contracture is a condition of abnormal shortening or shrinkage of a muscle, tendon, etc., often with persistent flexion or distortion at a joint.  People affected with neuromuscular disease often develop contractures over time.  A physical or occupational therapist will probably be able to teach stretches that, when done regularly, can help decrease contractures.
standard medical procedureSurgery or practice that is a common and well accepted as the best course of treatment.
liquidA state of matter where molecules have the ability to flow and the surface of this mass displays the property of surface tension.
apoplastIn plants, the continuum of cell walls plus the extracellular spaces.
gustatory receptorTaste receptor.
rbabbreviation of ‘resistant bacteria‘.
primary cultureThe initial cell culture established from a tissue.
polyphyleticPertaining to a grouping of species derived from two or more different ancestral forms.
food chainThe pathway along which food is transferred from trophic level to trophic level, beginning with producers.
spinal nerveIn the vertebrate peripheral nervous system, a nerve that carries signals to or from the spinal cord.
excimerAn adduct between a molecule that has been excited by a photon and a second molecule.
gasA state of matter where molecules are free to move in any direction they like
game theoryAn approach to evaluating alternative strategies in situations where the outcome depends not only on each individual's strategy but also on the strategies of other individuals; a way of thinking about behavioral evolution in situations where the fitness of a particular behavioral phenotype is influenced by other behavioral phenotypes in the population.
metaboliteone particular chemical intermediate generated in metabolism.
antigenThe T-cell receptors are similar to antibodies in that they are highly diverse and can combine only with specific target antigens
shortwave radiationElectromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 and 0.7 micrometers (µm)
chemostatA device that allows populations of microorganisms to be maintained in a steady state.
geocodingThe conversion of features found on an analog map into a computer-digital form
adhThe enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase.
genetic contributionThe contribution of genetic material by a parent to progeny, usually measured in animal breeding as a specified improvement in the population for a particular trait such as milk production.
brackishEnvironment that is influenced by seawater with a salinity less than 35 parts per thousand (usually caused by the presence of an inflow of fresh water).
unstable equilibriumIn an unstable equilibrium the system returns to a new equilibrium after disturbance.
electromagnetic receptorA receptor of electromagnetic energy, such as visible light, electricity, and magnetism.
ejectisomeA type of explosive extrusome found in cryptoflagellates.
sugar sinkA plant organ that is a net consumer or storer of sugar
edge waveA wave of water that moves parallel to the shore
balanced polymorphismThe ability of natural selection to maintain diversity in a population.
ion-exchange resinA polymeric resinous substance, usually in bead form, that contains fixed groups with positive or negative charge
oceanographythe study of the world's oceans, including physical, chemical, geologic and biological aspects.
dehydration synthesis/də-HIGH-dray-shən, dee-/ The linking of monomers into a polymer by removing a molecule of water from each.
larvathe immature form of an animal
littoral driftThe sediment that is transported by waves and currents through beach drift and longshore drift along coastal areas.
epididymisA duct from each testicle, with parts called the head, body, and tail, that stores and transports sperm to the vas deferens.
virulenceAbility (of pathogens) to infect organisms and cause disease
klinefelter syndromean endocrine condition caused by a an extra X-chromosome (47,XXY); characterized by the lack of normal sexual development and testosterone, leading to infertility and adjustment problems if not detected and treated early.
antiserumSerum that contains antibodies.
insertion elementA transposable nucleotide sequence that only encodes the functions required for its own transposition
beta particleElectron emitted from the nucleus of a radioactive isotope
electrophoresisSee "Gel electrophoresis".
amp kinasea protein complex involved in the maintenance of energy balance in the cell.
second law of thermodynamicsThis law states that heat can never pass spontaneously from a colder to a hotter body
competitionInteraction between members of the same population or of two or more populations using the same resource, often present in limited supply.
biosphereThe entire portion of Earth inhabited by life; the sum of all the planet's ecosystems.
effective population sizeEffective number of individuals passing on gametes to the next generations
nuclear magnetic resonanceThe absorption of electromagnetic radiation (radio waves), at a specific frequency, by an atomic nucleus placed in a strong magnetic field; used in spectroscopy and in magnetic resonance imaging.
reciprocal crossCross in which females of genotype A are mated to males of genotype B and males of genotype A are mated to females of genotype B; useful in detecting sex-linkage, maternal effects, and cytoplasmic inheritance.
downdraftDownward movement of air in the atmosphere.
bank-cavingCollapse of stream bank material into a stream channel.
targetingThe movement of proteins around a cell or within organelles so that they reach the correct place to carry out their activity.
geographical rangeThe geographic area in which a population lives.
inclusionThe inability to exclude an individual as the possible source of a biological sample
meta-analysisA method for the statistical re-analysis of experimental and correlational results from independent studies that address related research questions.
dendrobatidae/den-droh-BAT-ə-die, -dee/ n
antioxidantA compound that inhibits oxidation, often because it is preferentially oxidized
cryoticSomething that is frozen.
shoala shallow location, such as over a sandbank, often home to large numbers of schooling fish
elongationThe process by which either transcription or translation continues toward a conclusion after having been initiated (and perhaps having subsequently paused or stalled).
antigenAny substance that, when introduced into the body, is recognized by the immune system.
sial layerThe part of the crust that forms the continents and is composed of relatively light, granitic rocks.
glycogenAn extensively branched glucose storage polysaccharide found in the liver and muscle of animals; the animal equivalent of starch.
chromosomeOrganic structure that carries an organism's genetic code (DNA).
neurotransmitterA chemical released from the pre-synaptic terminus of an axon that diffuses across the synapse and binds to receptors in the post-synaptic membrane
blood-brain barrierA specialized capillary arrangement in the brain that restricts the passage of most substances into the brain, thereby preventing dramatic fluctuations in the brain's environment.
epitopeThe antibody-binding region of an antigenic molecule.
bearingA system that measures in reference to the cardinal points of a compass in 90 degree quadrants.
slip-strand mispairingA process in which a DNA polymerase adds too many or too few copies of a repetitive sequence during replication.
vacuoleMembrane-bound fluid-filled space within a cell
uv reactivationA phenomenon in which survival of an ultraviolet-irradiated phage is greater upon infecting a host that has also been irradiated with UV than upon infecting a host that has not been irradiated with UV
source exonsSource exons identifies the size of each exon encoded by a larger sequence
holoplanktonthose organisms that spend their entire lives as plankton, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton.
homologous chromosomeChromosome containing the same linear gene sequences as another, each derived from one parent.
daDalton unit.
demographyThe study of statistics relating to births and deaths in populations.
additive treeA phylogenetic tree in which the branch lengths are proportional to the evolutionary distance between nodes; also known as a phylogram.
informed consentPermission given by an individual to proceed with a specific test, procedure, or research study with an understanding of the risks and benefits of the activity.
adpAbbreviation of adenosine diphosphate.
heterologous probeThe use of a labelled nucleic acid molecule to identify related molecules by hybridization probing.
reflectionThought or discussion related to a learning outcome.
denitrificationThe process by which certain bacteria living in poorly aerated soils break down nitrates, using the oxygen for their own respiration and releasing nitrogen back into the atmosphere.
escherichia coliA Gram negative bacterium commonly found in the vertebrate intestine
thermal metamorphismIs the metamorphic alteration of rock because of intense heat released from processes related to plate tectonics.
transcription terminatorA nucleotide sequence that acts as a signal for termination of transcription
equity investmentan investment buying partial ownership of a company.
pedogenesisThe process of soil formation.
sphenodontianAny of a group of archosaurian reptiles called Sphenodontia
mioceneThe fourth of the seven epochs of the Cenozoic; it lasted from 23.0 - 5.3 million years ago.
cnidarianMember of a major animal phylum (Cnidaria) that includes corals, sea anemones, hydra, and jellyfish
dopamineA biogenic amine closely related to epinephrine and norepinephrine.
insight learningThe ability of an animal to perform a correct or appropriate behavior on the first attempt in a situation with which it has had no prior experience.
shuttle vectorVirus assistant : Virus qui assure les fonctions manquantes d'un virus défectif, pour lui permettre de terminer son cycle infectieux au cours d'une infection mixte
endophyteA microorganism living within plant vascular tissue.
sporeA highly resistant, resting state of an organism
phenotypeThe visible characteristics or traits of an organism
drainage windA wind common to mountainous regions that involves heavy cold air flowing along the ground from high to low elevations because of gravity
blended learningThe combination of different training methods and resources.
lysogenyThe ability of a phage to integrate into the bacterial DNA chromosome.
hydrophilicLiterally means 'water-loving'
bioconversionThe conversion of one chemical to another by a living system, such as a bacterial cell.
brand-name drugthe patented version of a drug
polar frontWeather front located typically in the mid-latitudes that separates arctic and polar air masses from tropical air masses
g-protein linked receptorA signal receptor protein in the plasma membrane that responds to the binding of a signal molecule by activating a G protein.
longshore driftThe movement and deposition of coastal sediments because of longshore currents.
parkinson's diseaseA motor disorder caused by a progressive brain disease and characterized by difficulty in initiating movements, slowness of movement, and rigidity.
tumor progressionThe accumulation of mutations within cells of a tumor population, resulting in increasingly rapid growth and malignancy.
brachiopodMember of the phylum Brachiopoda within the lophotrochozoa, composed of a group of marine animals that superficially resemble clams but are only distantly related to the mollusks.
bony fishThe common name for the class Osteichthyes, fish that have bony rather than cartilaginous skeletons.
binomialConsisting of or pertaining to two terms.
behaviorEverything an animal does and how it does it, including muscular activities such as chasing prey, certain nonmuscular processes such as secreting a hormone that attracts a mate, and learning.
longitudeLongitude is a west-east measurement of position on the Earth
mitosiscell division of somatic cells
genetic bankingThe deposit of an individual's genetic information to a database that enables the individual to control access.
superinfectionThe secondary infection by a phage in a cell already harbouring the same phage.
upper respiratory system consists of the nose, throat and windpipe (trachea).
anthropogenicResulting from human activity.
reflected infrared radiationForm of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.7 to 3.0 micrometers (µm).
boreal forestHigh to mid-latitude biome dominated by coniferous forest
paleoproterozoicDivision of time from 2500 to 1600 Mya.
pathwayA series of related biochemical reactions.
catastrophismGeneral theory that suggests that certain phenomena on the Earth are the result of catastrophic events
internal size standardSpecific DNA fragments of known sizes which are defined and used to size DNA fragments of unknown length.
chelationChemical weathering process that involves the extraction or metallic cations from rocks and minerals by chelates.
intragenic complementationThe ability of two mutant forms of a gene, neither of which produce an active gene product, to produce a functional or partially functional gene product
molecular graphicsThe computational visualization of macromolecules for the purpose of molecular design, protein engineering, and structural refinement.
blastomereA small cell of an early embryo.
rhodopsinA visual pigment consisting of retinal and opsin
zone of cell divisionThe zone of primary growth in roots consisting of the root apical meristem and its derivatives
sieve tubeA series of sieve-tube elements arranged end to end and interconnected through sieve plates.
valley wallThe side slope of a stream or glacial valley.
downstreamSee "Upstream/Downstream".
tca cycleSee tricarboxylic acid cycle.
biocontainmentA process aimed at keeping biological organisms within a limited space or area
troughAn elongated area of low pressure in the atmosphere.
palsaA mound of peat that develops as the result of the formation of a number ice lenses beneath the ground surface
self-fertilizationThe union of egg and sperm produced by a single hermaphroditic organism.
hydrographA graph describing stream discharge over time.
startA regulatory point in the yeast cell cycle that occurs late in G1
cellular slime moldA type of protist that has unicellular amoeboid cells and aggregated reproductive bodies in its life cycle.
phenocopyResult of an environmental influence which mimics the effect of a specific allele not possessed by the individual; not transmissible.
axonA typically long extension, or process, from a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body toward target cells.
excitatory postsynaptic potentialAn electrical change (depolarization) in the membrane of a postsynaptic neuron caused by the binding of an excitatory neurotransmitter from a presynaptic cell to a postsynaptic receptor; makes it more likely for a postsynaptic neuron to generate an action potential
gyresa circular course of motion, usually referring to an ocean current pattern.
multiplicity of infectionThe ratio of virus particles to cells in a system.
parasiteConsumer organism that feeds on a host for an extended period of time
uv absorbance spectroscopyA method for measuring the concentration of a compound by determining the amount of ultraviolet radiation absorbed by a sample.
aerobicRequiring oxygen.
terminusEnd or snout of a glacier.
gluconeogenesisThe production of sugars from nonsugar precursors such as lactate or amino acids
gfpSee Green Flourescent Protein.
principle of allocationThe concept that each organism has an energy budget, or a limited amount of total energy available for all of its maintenance and reproductive needs.
chemical bondAn attraction between two atoms, resulting from a sharing of outer-shell electrons or the presence of opposite charges on the atoms
yeast extractA water soluble preparation extracted from common yeast
muscular dystrophy  Deterioration of muscle functions
hopeful monstera hypothetical organism that supposedly originates in a single generation from a “macromutation” with large-scale effects on anatomy.
malleusThe first of the three middle ear bones.
erythrocytesRed blood cells; doubly concave, enucleated cells that transport oxygen in the blood.
dendrimerA branching polymer
arterioleA very small artery
croContract research organization
primary productivityThe rate at which light energy or inorganic chemical energy is converted to the chemical energy of organic compounds by autotrophs in an ecosystem.
activated complexThe molecular assembly that corresponds to the transition state of a chemical reaction.
double helixthe shape a DNA molecule takes when its two strands twist around each other.
mitochondrionAn organelle in eukaryotic cells that serves as the site of cellular respiration.
screeAn accumulation of weathered rock fragments at the base of a steep rock slope or cliff.
deuteriumIsotope of hydrogen, with a nucleus containing one proton and one neutron, and an atomic mass number of 2.
universeAll of the observable phenomena in the celestial cosmos.
congenital defect  Any defect that is present at birth, regardless of its cause.
protozoaA group of one-celled animals, a few of which cause human disease (including malaria and sleeping sickness).
metabolonA supramolecular assembly of sequential metabolic enzymes.
peta-A prefix indicating 1015; a quadrillion.
exonsThe parts of a gene used to make proteins.
trade windsThe steady winds that blow westward and toward the equator from the subtropical high-pressure belts near 30¡ N and 30¡ S.
eutrophicationThe dying off of organisms in a lake or pond due to an overabundance of algae which consume all of the dissolved oxygen in the water
inductionInference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances
etherA molecule containing two carbons linked by an oxygen atom.
infiltration rateRate of absorption and downward movement of water into the soil layer.
equilibriumA state of balance in which there is no net change.
tera-A prefix indicating 10 to the power of 12; a trillion.
electrogenic pumpAn ion transport protein generating voltage across the membrane.
primary producerOrganisms that occupy the first trophic level in the grazing food chain
apoptosisARN : acide ribonucléique
holisticConcerned with a complete system.
cladogramA phylogenetic tree in which the only information given is about the relationships among taxa (i.e., the length of the branches is not meaningful).
idiotopeAn antigenic determinant within the variable region of an antibody.
particulate matterParticles of dust, soot, salt, sulfate compounds, pollen, or other particles suspended in the atmosphere.
pregnancyThe condition of carrying one or more embryos in the uterus.
fossil recordThe chronicle of evolution over millions of years of geologic time engraved in the order in which fossils appear in rock strata
cell wallA protective layer external to the plasma membrane in plant cells, prokaryotes, fungi, and some protists
orographic precipitationIs precipitation that forms when air is forced to rise because of the physical presence of elevated land
secondary compoundA chemical compound synthesized through the diversion of products of major metabolic pathways for use in defense by prey species.
periglacialLandforms created by processes associated with intense freeze-thaw action in an area high latitude areas or near an alpine or continental glacier.
diabetes mellitusAn endocrine disorder marked by inability to maintain glucose homeostasis
sympatryCoexistence in the same place.
troposphereRegion of the atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface.
primary care providerA doctor trained to treat a wide variety of health-related problems.
gas exchangeThe uptake of molecular oxygen from the environment and the discharge of carbon dioxide to the environment.
antagonistA substance that tends to nullify the action of another.
solar dayTime required for the Earth to complete one rotation relative to the Sun.
milankovitch theoryTheory proposed by Milutin Milankovitch that suggests that changes in the Earth's climate are cause by variations in solar radiation received at the Earth's surface
counterselectionA condition that prevents growth of the donor in a genetic cross.
helper t cellsSee helper cells.
hormoneA chemical substance made in one cell and secreted so as to influence the metabolic activity of a select group of cells located at other sites in the organism.
heteroplasmyThe presence of more than one mtDNA type within a single individual.
westerliesDominant winds of the mid-latitudes
interneuronAn association neuron; a nerve cell within the central nervous system that forms synapses with sensory and motor neurons and integrates sensory input and motor output.
el ni隳Name given to the occasional development of warm ocean surface waters along the coast of Ecuador and Peru
c4 plantA plant that prefaces the Calvin cycle with reactions that incorporate CO2 into a four-carbon compound, the end product of which supplies CO2 for the Calvin cycle.
microarraysOrdered sets of DNA fragments fixed to solid surfaces
equatorLocation on the Earth that has a latitude of 0°.
polyphyleticPertaining to a taxon whose members were derived from two or more ancestral forms not common to all members.
surface heat fluxProcess where heat energy is transferred into land and ocean surfaces on the Earth
genetic conditionA genetic condition is caused by a change in the genetic information
subduction zoneLinear area where tectonic subduction takes place.
leukaemiaAn increase in the number of ineffective and immature white blood cells, causing a weakened immune system
birdGroup of warm blooded vertebrate animals whose body is covered with feathers.
guard cellA specialized epidermal plant cell that forms the boundaries of the stomata.
action spectrumA graph that depicts the relative effectiveness of different wavelengths of radiation in driving a particular process.
reefA ridge of rocks found in the tidal zone along a coastline
huntington diseasea disease characterized by irregular, spasmodic involuntary movements of the limbs and facial muscles, mental deterioration and death, usually within 20 years of the onset of symptoms.
aneuploidA cell or organism having an abnormal set of chromosomes.
enzymeA protein molecule which promotes or enables a chemical reaction in the cells (a biochemical reaction) to take place
glucocorticoidA corticosteroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that influences glucose metabolism and immune function.
cross-feedingGrowth of a mutant stimulated by metabolites released by another cell.
gene technologybranch of modern biotechnology
histogramA graphic representation of a frequency distribution.
radioactiveA substance emitting ionizing radiation is said to be radioactive
adaptive radiationThe emergence of numerous species from a common ancestor introduced into an environment, presenting a diversity of new opportunities and problems.
protein kinase aA protein kinase regulated by cyclic AMP.
unconfined groundwaterGroundwater that is not restricted by impervious layers of rock.
prokaryoteAn organism lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bounded compartments.
cosmidA cloning vector derived from a bacterial virus
organA collection of tissues that structurally form a functional unit specialized to perform a particular function
isolation by distanceDivergence between allele frequencies in different places within a spatially continuous population
specific humidityMeasurement of atmospheric humidity
gnotobioticA system to which only preselected components, organisms and nutrients are introduced.
coorperativityFor DNA binding proteins, cooperativity generally refers to the increased binding of a protein to a DNA site due to the prior binding of another protein nearby
polyclonal antibodyAn antibody generated by the immune response to an antigen
frost pointIs the temperature at which water vapor saturates from an air mass into solid usually forming snow or frost
green algaA unicellular, colonial, or multicellular photosynthetic protist that has grassgreen chloroplasts
hybrid zoneA narrow region in which genetically distinct populations meet, mate, and hybridize.
membraneA single- or double-layer lipid sheet that separates two compartments.
guthrie testA method of mass newborn screening for PKU that is still in use today in some countries
anaerobicLacking or not requiring oxygen.
peatExtensive deposits of undecayed organic material formed primarily from the wetland moss Sphagnum.
length heteroplasmyThe presence of mitochondrial DNA molecules that differ in length.
specific gravityThe ratio of the mass of a body to the mass of an identical volume of water at a specific temperature.
hyperplasiaAn increase in tissue due to enhanced cell division
talusAn accumulation of angular rock debris from rockfalls.
mutationWhen DNA damaged or changed anywhere along the DNA strand.
exponential population growthThe geometric increase of a population as it grows in an ideal, unlimited environment
codis core lociThirteen STR (short tandem repeat) sequences that have been selected for the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
histocompatibility testingA method of matching the self antigens (HLA) on the tissues of a transplant donor with those of the recipient
dioriteA coarse grained igneous rock of intrusive origin that is darker and chemically more mafic than granite.
diabetesA disease caused by loss of control of glucose homeostasis.
size standardSee internal size standard
antigenA substance capable of causing the body to produce specific antibodies; any substance that stimulates lymphocytes (white blood cells) to initiate an immune response.
hydroxide ionA water molecule that has lost a proton; OH-.
pistillatePertaining to the pistil
cellsby using the patient's own immune system or the transfer of antibodies or T-cells from an outside source.
bolusA lubricated ball of chewed food.
uniformitarianismThe assumption that the same natural processes acted in the past as are observed to operate now.
pore iceA form of periglacial ground ice that is found in the spaces that exist between particles of soil.
feedback inhibitionA method of metabolic control in which the end-product of a metabolic pathway acts as an inhibitor of an enzyme within that pathway.
major grooveIf you wrap two cords around each other in the manner of a double helix, there will be two grooves between the cords
directed mutagenesis/myoot-ə-JEN-ə-səs/ Alteration of DNA at a specific site in order to study the change's effects.
immunotherapyStimulates or restores the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease
alzheimer diseaseAdditional information on apoE can be found in OMIM.
suspensionErosional movement of sediment continually held in the transport medium of air, water or ice.
homologousHybridation in situ : Hybridation d'une sonde d'ADN ou d'ARN spécifique marquée avec l'ARN ou l'ADN cellulaire, sur une coupe de tissu ou des cellules fixées
bioequivalentA pharmaceutical compound that equals another in bioavailability and potency.
carbon cycleWorldwide circulation and reutilization of carbon atoms, chiefly due to metabolic processes of living organisms
metaboliteA chemical substance produced within the body, typically due to the actions of an enzyme
stroke volumeThe amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle in each contraction.
reasoningin argumentation- statements that link the evidence to the claim, showing why the data counts as evidence to support the claim
dilutionthe decrease in relative ownership among existing investors as additional shares are issued.
molecular formulaA type of molecular notation indicating only the quantity of the constituent atoms.
co-localizationThis term is used to identify and describe interaction data displayed at SGD
bloom's taxonomyA recognized structure for the identification of cognitive areas related to learning.
chromatographyA procedure for separating chemically similar molecules
maternal pkuThe developing fetus is exposed to high blood phenylalanine if the mother has PKU
anaemiaA condition caused by a reduced number of red blood cells or haemoglobin
advocacy groupA group of people who work together to support a cause.
plasma cellAn antibody-secreting B-lymphocyte.
somatic mutationA non-heritable genetic change occurring within a somatic cell, also known as an acquired mutation.
oviductA tube passing from the ovary to the vagina in invertebrates or to the uterus in vertebrates.
necrosisProcess of cell death that results from massive disruption of normal cellular homeostasis, that is so disruptive that the cells cannot repair themselves and then die
speciesThe lowest taxonomic category in Linnaean biological classification, denoted by a combined generic and specific name, as in Homo sapiens - humans
patentA grant made by a government that allows the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time.
tfiifA general transcription factor contributing to the formation of the pre-initiation complex.
blue geneA massively parallel supercomputer with 1 million processors that is under construction and will be capable of 1 petaflop floating point operations/sec
phenocopyAn environmental condition that results in a phenotype different that that usually observed for a certain mutant
patentintellectual property protection
stochastic effectsBeing or having a random variable.
chi-squared test of associationComparison of the observed frequencies with the frequencies that would be expected if the null hypothesis of no association were true.
ribosomeCellular structure composed of RNA and protein that is responsible for protein synthesis.
f-pilusA filamentous appendage encoded by the F-plasmid
phosphate groupA small chemical group with the formula, PO4
amoebaA protist grade characterized by the presence of pseudopodia.
cofactorInorganic ion or coenzyme necessary for the activity of an enzyme.
dizygotic twinsTwins formed from separate zygotes and therefore related in the same way as siblings.
convergenceThe endpoint of an iterative or recursive algorithm
deismThe view that God works through fixed laws of nature; that is, that events occur without supernatural intervention.
brassinosteroidsSteroid honnones in plants that have a variety of effects, including cell elongation, retarding leaf abscission, and promoting xylem differentiation.
nasopharynxNAY-zō-FARE-ənks/ The portion of the pharynx above the soft palate.
dna fingerprintingtechnique for identifying individuals using repeating sequences in the human genome that produce a pattern of bands that is unique for every individual.
premessenger rna  Same as primary transcript.
ddDideoxy-.
characterAn observable heritable feature.
inclusive fitnessA measure of individual fitness that includes the effects of that individual on its neighbors’ fitness, weighed by their relatedness, and discounts the effects of neighbors on the individual’s own fitness.
leukemiaCancer arising from the precursors of circulating blood cells.
beachThe terrestrial interface area in between land and a water body where there are accumulations of unconsolidated sediments like sand and gravel
linkage disequilibriumWhere alleles occur together more often than can be accounted for by chance
ovuleThe structure that consists of haploid tissue (the gametophyte generation) and the surrounding diploid tissues (the integuments), which become the seed after fertilization.
phase iiiclinical trial designed to verify the safety and effectiveness of an experimental drug
antibodiesProteins produced by the immune system of humans and other vertebrates in response to the presence of a specific antigen.
vertebrateAnimal that does have a backbone
bcl-2A member of a family of proteins that regulate programmed cell death.
chiralA compound that cannot be superimosed on its mirror image.
serumThe liquid that separates from the blood when a clot is formed.
fatalCausing death.
presynaptic cellThe transmitting cell at a synapse.
carcinogenSomething which causes cancer to occur by causing changes in a cell's DNA
matterIs the material (atoms and molecules) that constructs things on the Earth and in the Universe.
mutationChange in the structure of a gene or chromosome.
phytochromesA class of light receptors in plants
homininAll taxa closer to humans than to chimpanzee
biological pumpCollection of biological ocean processes that regulate the uptake, storage, transformation, and release of carbon.
unequal crossoverThe outcome when two tandemly repeated sequences do not pair correctly
timeMeasurable period in which cause and effect occurs and systems function.
semisterilityCondition which results when there is an absence of interstitial crossover, 50% of the assortments are alternate, 25% are adjacent-1, and 25% are adjacent-2, producing 50% viable gametes and 50% non-viable gametes.
absorption spectrumThe range of a pigment's ability to absorb various wavelengths of light.
homologous structuresStructures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry.
cochleaThe complex, coiled organ of hearing that contains the organ of Corti.
tropical rainforestForested biome found near the equator and dominated by evergreen vegetation.
photosynthesisThe process by which cells harness energy from sunlight and synthesize glucose from CO2 and water.
teleost fishAny member of the Teleostei, a subclass of bony fishes
opsinA membrane protein bonded to a lightabsorbing pigment molecule.
crmCross reacting material
structural formulaA type of molecular notation in which the constituent atoms are joined by lines representing covalent bonds.
androgenAny steroid hormone, such as testosterone, that stimulates the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
solutionA homogeneous, liquid mixture of two or more substances.solvent The dissolving agent of a solution
brainstemCollection of structures in the adult brain, including the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata; functions in homeostasis, coordination of movement, and conduction of information to higher brain centers.
supercooled waterCooling of water below 0° Celsius without freezing
wetting and dryingPhysical weathering process where rocks are mechanically disintegrated by the accumulation of successive layers of water molecules in between the mineral grains of a rock
amnioteMember of a clade of tetrapods that have an amniotic egg containing specialized membranes that protect the embryo, including mammals and birds and other reptiles.
covirusOne of a pair of viruses that have complementary functions and that must coinfect a cell for successful viral transmission.
bioinformaticsThe science of using computers and sophisticated mathematics to sort and analyze large amounts of biological data.
névéPartially melted and compacted snow that has a density of at least 500 kilograms per cubic meter.
cambrian explosionan event at the beginning of the Cambrian, lasting less than 10 million years, during which most of the major animal phyla first appear in the fossil record.
kingdomThe major taxonomic group in the current classification of living organisms with the exception of informal division of prokaryotic and eukaryotic empires
cnsCentral nervous system: the brain and spinal cord.
stable equilibriumIn a stable equilibrium the system displays tendencies to return to the same equilibrium after disturbance.
semi-diurnal tideTides that have two high and two low waters per tidal period.
morphospeciesA species defined by its anatomical features.
excision repairDNA repair in which a damaged region is replaced.
nucleusThe structure in a cell which contains the chromosomes.
mitogenA stimulant of cell division.
phase iii clinical trialsEstablish the long-term efficacy and safety of the drug candidate in its final dose and formulation
analysis of varianceThe separation of the variance into a sum of components, a widely used statistical technique that is the basis for quantitative genetics.
embryoan early developmental stage of a multicellular organism.
tornadoA vortex of rapidly moving air associated with some severe thunderstorms
rangelandLand-use type that supplies vegetation for consumption by grazing and browsing animals
stream flowThe flow of water in a river or stream channel.
t-cell receptorsThese cells arise after antigenic stimulation and serve as the "historians" of the immune system, providing a quick start in the event of subsequent exposure of the organism to the same antigen.
magnetic fieldThe space influence by magnetic force
nanomoleOne billionth mole; 10-9 mole.
vaginaExternal canal of the female reproductive system attached to the cervix.
salami slicingfiling for multiple orphan drug designations on the same drug.
posterior pituitaryAlso called the neurohypophysis; an extension of the hypothalamus composed of nervous tissue that secretes oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone made in the hypothalamus; a temporary storage site for these hormones.
transductionGenetic exchange in bacteria that is mediated via phage.
bridge loana short-term, high-interest loan provided by venture capitalists to companies in dire need of cash.
glycolysisThe catabolic conversion of glucose to pyruvate with the production of ATP.
perennial plantPlant species that lives for more than two years.
stigmaSurface on the style of a flower on which pollen cells germinate.
germ cella sex cell or gamete (egg or spermatozoan).Haldane equation Haldane's law: the generalization that if first generation hybrids are produced between two species, but one sex is absent, rare, or sterile, that sex is the heterogamic sex.
nano-simsImaging technique that uses a nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometer (nano-SIMS) and cells labeled with stable isotopes of carbon and/or nitrogen to identify areas of active growth and follow nutrient fluxes between cells.
internal size standardSpecific DNA fragments of known sizes which are defined and used to size unknown fragments.
codex alimentarius commissiona commission created in 1962 by two UN organizations, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
lineage sortingThe process by which, following separation of two species, the ancestry of every gene converges to the overall phylogeny of the species
conidium pl. conidiaA naked, asexual spore produced at the ends of hyphae in ascomycetes.
marinePertaining to the sea.
tagSee label.
detrivore/DET-trə-vore/ n
thermostabilityRetention of activity at high temperature.
nitrous oxideGas found in the atmosphere that contributes to the greenhouse effect
single nucleotide polymorphismsA type of polymorphism involving variation of a single base pair
chemical genomicsThe large-scale study of biological processes based on small-molecule intervention.
lymph nodeA small organ that is a component of the lymphatic system and consists of lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells
spectrumIs a graph that describes the quantity of radiation that is emitted from a body at particular wavelengths.
heterozygousorganism that has two different alleles for the same trait and is said to be hybrid for that particular trait.
natural selectionEnvironment's influence on the reproductive success of individuals in a population
epidemicoutbreak of a disease in a community.
recurrent mutationMutational event with characteristic mutation rates.
polymorphicVariable, more than one kind.
antigenSubstance capable of inducing the production of antibodies.
entericPertaining to the intestines.
icosahedronA regular geometric polyhedron with 20 equilateral trangular faces and 12 corners
yotta-A prefix indicating 1024; a septillion.
proof of principledemonstration of the commercial potential of a discovery or invention.
linebreedingSystem of mating which maintains close relationships in descendent generations to a particular ancestor.
hydrophobic effectThe noncovalent association of nonpolar groups with each other in aqueous solution.
chronic diseaseA long-lasting health condition such as cancer, coronary heart disease, and diabetes.
membranelleA compound structure comprised of many cilia and associated with the mouth of a ciliate
parasitoidismA type of parasitism in which an insect lays eggs on or in a living host; the larvae then feed on the body of the host, eventually killing it.
punctuated equilibriumA theory of evolution advocating spurts of relatively rapid change followed by long periods of stasis.
xylemVascular plant tissue consisting mainly of tubular dead cells that conduct most of the water and minerals upward from roots to the rest of the plant.
mixotrophAn organism that is capable of both photosynthesis and heterotrophy.
kinesisA change in activity or turning rate in response to a stimulus.
macromoleculeA molecule larger than about 10 kDA.
prostacyclinAn eicosanoid formed from prostaglandin H2.
affinity chromatographyA column chromatographic technique that employs attached functional groups that have a specific affinity for sites on particular proteins.
gated ion channelA transmembrane protein that allows ion fluxes to pass under defined conditions
biocatalysisThe use of biological systems or their components for chemical synthesis or transformation.
panmixisRandom mating.
amyloid-betatarget molecule in Alzheimer's disease therapy; main constituent of amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients
foreset bedDeltaic deposit of alluvial sediment that is angled 5 to 25° from horizontal
levene modelA model of a structured population in which individuals from a single gene pool spend part of their lives competing within small patches.
long-term potentiationAn enhanced responsiveness to an action potential (nerve signal) by a receiving neuron.
liposomean artificial membrane
lactose  The sugar that occurs in milk
fossilGeologically preserved remains of an organism that lived in the past.
symbiosisa long-term, close, association between two individuals of different species that is a benefit to both ("mutualism"), a benefit to one at a cost to the other ("parasitism"), or a benefit to one with no effect on the other individual ("commensalism").
cell-based therapiesTherapies involving the transplantation of stem cells into damaged tissues to regenerate the various cell types of that tissue
intelligent designThe argument that organisms are irreducibly complex and so must have been created by an intelligent designer
desiccation/deh-sick-KAY-shən/ n
subatomic particlesExtremely small particles that make up the internal structure of atoms.
stratopauseThe stratopause is a relatively thin atmospheric transition layer found between the stratosphere and the mesosphere
synthetic genetic interactionA genetic interaction in which a combination of mutations in two or more genes of a single strain results in a phenotype that is different in degree or nature from the phenotypes conferred by the individual mutations
growth coneResponsive region at the leading edge of a growing axon.
tropical disturbanceAn organized group of thunderstorms often found over a tropical ocean that generates a slight cyclonic flow of less than 37 kilometers per hour
test-tube fertilizationIn vitro fertilization.
fluid-feederAn animal that lives by sucking nutrient-rich fluids from another living organism.
dendriticTerm used to describe the stream channel pattern that is completely random
guttationThe exudation of water droplets caused by root pressure in certain plants.
proton acceptorA functional group capable of accepting a proton from a proton donor molecule.
bioremediationThe use of plants and micro-organisms to consume or otherwise help remove materials (such as toxic chemical wastes and metals) from contaminated sites (especially from soil and water)
teratologyThe science concerned with malformations and monstrosities or serious deviations from normal structure
evolutionary species conceptThe idea that evolutionary lineages and ecological roles can form the basis of species identification.
bryozoanMember of a phylum (Ectoprocta or Bryozoa) of sessile colonial animals, commonly referred to as sea mats or moss animals, that are superficially similar to corals but are instead members of the Lophotrochozoa.
industrial smogForm of air pollution that develops in urban areas
cell wallMost commonly found in plant cells - Controls turgity - Extracellular structure surrounding plasma membrane - Primary cell wall: extremely elastic - Secondary cell wall: forms around primary cell wall after growth is complete
golden algaA chrysophyte; a typically unicellular, biflagellated alga with yellow and brown carotenoid pigments.
pentose phosphate pathwayThe pathway involving the oxidation of glucose-6-phosphate to pentose phosphates and further reactions of pentose phosphates.
meteorologyThe scientific study of the atmosphere and its associated phenomena.
homosphereThe lower layer in a two part classification of the atmosphere based on the general homogeneity of chemical composition
strategyA general term used in game theory
semilunar valveA valve located at the two exits of the heart, where the aorta leaves the left ventricle and the pulmonary artery leaves the right ventricle.
pneumoniainflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria and viruses.
glycolipidA molecule consisting of a short carbohydrate chain attached to a lipid.
meconiumThe substance excreted by certain metabolic insects soon after their emergence from the chrysalis or pupa.
sand duneA hill or ridge of aeolian sand deposits with a minimum height of less than one meter and a maximum height of about 50 meters
acid precipitationRain, snow, or fog that is more acidic than pH 5.6.
domain of attractionThe domain of attraction of a stable equilibrium is the set of states from which a system will evolve toward that equilibrium.
dynamic equilibriumA dynamic equilibrium occurs when a system displays unrepeated average states through time.
strict anaerobeAn organism that cannot survive in an atmosphere of oxygen
monoclonal antibodyAny of a preparation of antibodies that have been produced by a single clone of cultured cells and thus are all specific for the same epitope.
coastal duneSand dune that forms in coastal areas
hepatitisLiver inflammation usually caused by a virus.
daltonA unit of molecular mass approximately equal to the mass of a hydrogen atom.
acetylcholineOne of the most common neurotransmitters; functions by binding to receptors and altering the permeability of the postsynaptic membrane to specific ions, either depolarizing or hyperpolarizing the membrane.
celluloseLinear polysaccharide polymer with many glucose monosaccharide units
virulenceThe quality or property of being virulent
occam’s razorThe general principal that if all else is equal, the simplest explanation is best
ultrametric treeA phylogenetic tree in which the lengths of the branches reflect measurements of geologic time.
proproteinA protein that is made in an active form, so that it requires processing to become functional.
stomachAn organ of the digestive system that stores food and performs preliminary steps of digestion.
field capacityThe water remaining in a soil after the complete draining of the soil's gravitational water.
aloricateNo lorica present.
matterAnything that takes up space and has mass.
pronucleusOne of the two haploid nuclei in a newly fertilized egg.
leukocyteWhite blood cell.
adenovirusA virus that causes clinical conditions such as the common cold and respiratory infections.
electronegativityThe tendency for an atom to pull electrons toward itself.
pedogenic regimeThe particular soil forming process that operates in a certain climate
predatorAnimal that kills another animal for food.
endodermisThe innermost layer of the cortex in plant roots; a cylinder one cell thick that fonns the boundary between the cortex and the vascular cylinder.
fdaFood & Drug Administration, the health Authorities in the US.
ultramaficRock that is rich in magnesium and iron content.
integrationThe interpretation of sensory signals within neural processing centers of the central nervous system.
clinical trialA study (experiment) in humans that evaluates a diagnostic or therapeutic product
reproductive cloningMaking a full living copy of an organism
radioactive isotope  An isotope that has an unstable nucleus and that spontaneously disintegrates, releasing energy in the form of radiation.
fallopian tubeSee Oviduct.
effector cellA muscle cell or gland cell that performs the body's responses to stimuli; responds to signals from the brain or other processing center of the nervous system.
mesopauseThin boundary layer found between the mesosphere and the thermosphere
hemolymphIn invertebrates with an open circulatory system, the body fluid that bathes tissues.
batch cultureGrowth of bacteria in a fixed volume of liquid medium in a closed vessel, with no additions or removals made during the period of incubation.
continental shelfthe zone of the sea floor that stretches from the continent to the continental slope where there is a steep slope to deep water.
conformationThe spatial determinants of the atoms within a molecule, for example, the 3-D shape of a protein.
snpSee single-nucleotide polymorphism.
geneticista scientist who studies genes.
sympathetic divisionOne of three divisions of the autonomic nervous system of vertebrates; generally increases energy expenditUre and prepares the body for action.
agrobacteriumIs a genus of gram-negative bacteria that uses horizontal gene transfer to cause tumors in plants.
human immunodeficiency virusThe infectious agent that causes AIDS; HIV is an RNA retrovirus.
hair follicletubelike pocket of epidermal cells that extends into the dermis and produces hair.
net primary productionThe gross primary production of an ecosystem minus the energy used by the producers for respiration.
capillary waterWater that moves horizontally and vertically in soils by the process of capillary action
sporangiumA structure containing spores.
immune complexA cluster of interlocking antigens and antibodies.
somaA general term for all the somatic cells of the body.
x-overAn abbreviation for cross-over.
cholesterolA lipid consisting of four hydrocarbon rings
indeterminate growthA type of growth characteristic of plants, in which the organism continues to grow as long as it lives.
triassicThe word Triassic comes from the word tri, which means “three.” There were three types of rock that were common during this time of the dinosaurs: sandstone, mudstone, and shale
extremophileAn organism that grows optimally in extreme conditions, including extreme temperature, pressure, pH, ionic concentration, and pressure.
attenuationthe gradual weakening of a signal.
autosomeOne of the two types of chromosomes in most animals
determinate growthA type of growth characteristic of animals, in which the organism stops growing after it reaches a certain size.
foot(1) The portion of a bryophyte sporophyte that gathers sugars, amino acids, water, and minerals from the parent gametophyte via transfer cells
transparentHaving the property of transmitting light, so as to render bodies lying beyond completely visible.
electron shellAn energy level represented as the distance of an electron from the nucleus of an atom.
apoptosisProgrammed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
anthocyaninNatural water-soluble pigments of blue, purple or red which are dissolved in the cell-sap vacuole of plant cells.
frost creepSlow mass movement of soil downslope that is initiated by freeze-thaw action
direct solar radiationSolar radiation received by the Earth's atmosphere or surface which has not been modified by atmospheric scattering.
cotransformationThe simultaneous uptake of two genetic markers via transformation
sequence profileA sequence pattern representation emerging from comparison of multiple aligned sequences.
antiseptica topical substance which inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms either through its action as a bacteriocidal or bacteriostatic.
pharmacogenomicsThe study of the interaction of an individual's genetic makeup and response to a drug.
igneous rockRocks formed by solidification of molten magma either beneath (intrusive igneous rock) or at (extrusive igneous rocks) the Earth's surface.
prolactinA hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary with a great diversity of effects in different vertebrate species
montmorilloniteA type of clay that has a large capacity to shrink and expand with wetting and drying.
bacteriaMicroorganisms that consist of a single cell
contrast agentA compound used for in vivo 3-D mapping of tissues by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
plutonA large body of intrusive igneous rock that crystallizes below the Earth's surface.
populationOrganisms of the same species that occupy the same area.
reagentSubstance used in research and diagnostic applications
carriagethe presence of particular bacteria on an individual.
cell hybrid  When two cells fuse, they form a cell hybrid
variance componentA contribution to the phenotypic variance due to a specific kind of variation
baculovirusA viral pathogen, such as Autographa californica, that replicates in lepidopteran larvae
marine snowAggregates of mostly organic materials that sink to the ocean floor from the photosynthetically active surface layers.
dna analysisThe process of testing used to identify DNA patterns or types
evolutionary ecologyStudy of the evolutionary consequences of interactions between species and between a species and its environment.
phagocytesLarge white blood cells that contribute to the immune defenses by ingesting microbes or other cells and foreign particles.
coccisphere-shaped bacteria.
co2 fertilizationIncrease in plant growth due to a higher­than-normal carbon dioxide concentration in the environment.
psychrometerInstrument used to measure atmospheric humidity
amino acid  Three of the 64 codons are stop codons; the remainder code for amino acids.
coefficient of kinshipSee coancestry.
co-stimulationThe delivery of a second signal from an antigen-presenting cell to a T cell
endangered speciesA species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
positive controlA system that is turned on by the presence of a regulatory protein.
open circulatory systemA circulatory system in which fluid called hemolymph bathes the tissues and organs directly and there is no distinction between the circulating fluid and the interstitial fluid.
dependent variableVariable in a statistical test whose observation's values are thought to be controlled through cause and effect by another independent variable modeled in the test.
efficiencyA measure of the speed at which a method performs.
inductive reasoningA type of logic in which generalizations are based on a large number of specific observations.
auxotrophA mutant that will only grow when a particular nutritional requirement (e.g
systemicAffecting the entire body rather than a single part.
antigen binding sitePart of variable domains of antibodies responsible for antigen binding
genotypeBacteriophage A virus that infects bacteria (synonym: phage).
mode of entrythe means and route by which a bacterium enters an individual where it is ab;le to multiply.
dna fingerprintingthe use of fragments of DNA to identify the unique genetic makeup of an individual
merodiploidAn organism that is diploid for some but not all of its genes.
word lengthThe Word Length (W) is a BLAST parameter that determines the minimum length of a match
polymorphismAny genetic difference (e.g
lightningVisible discharge of electricity created by thunderstorms.
cleistogamyFlowering system in plants in which fertilization occurs within closed flowers, thereby promoting self-pollination.
sensible heat fluxProcess where excess heat energy is transferred into the atmosphere
neural networkA computational method for optimizing for a desired property based on previous learning cycles (training).
x-rayX-rays are a form of ionizing radiation primarily used for radiography and crystallography
plus endThe end of an actin filament to which monomers are added more rapidly.
phenotypeThe appearance or other observable characteristics of an organism
wavelengthThe distance between crests of waves, such as those of the electromagnetic spectrum.
biologythe study of living things.chronic disease — a disease with lingering symptoms.
lak cellsLymphocytes transformed in the laboratory into lymphokine-activated killer cells, which attack tumor cells.
earthflowA rapid type of downslope mass movement that involves soil and other loose sediments
indigo dyeA blue colored dye that is derived from several plant species and commonly used to dye denim for blue jeans
parasitic genetic elementA genomic sequence that is thought to be essentially alien to the organism, "using" the organism to advance its own survival, or, rather, the survival of other elements of its kind.
altruismBehavior that reduces an individual's fitness while increasing the fitness of another individual.
testing outcomesThe possible results you can receive after participating in a test such as positive, negative, or inconclusive.
thioesterAn ester of a carboxylic acid with a thiol or mercaptan.
patient confidentialityThe right of an individual patient to have personal, identifiable medical information kept private.
plasma cellA derivative of B cells that secretes antibodies.
histocompatibilityThe ability of a host to tolerate a tissue graft.
pulmonologistA physician trained to specialize in lung diseases.  These diseases include breathing problems in muscle disease, asthma and emphysema.  A pulmonologist may not be familiar with how best to diagnose and treat an individual with CMD is having breathing problems.
lux proteinsBioluminescent marine proteins that are the counterpart of the luciferase system.
dark reactionsThe series of reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates during photosynthesis
elastic deformationChange in the shape of a material as the result of the force of compression or expansion
monophyleticDescribes a set of taxa that all descend from a common ancestral taxon—that is, a group of organisms or genes that share a common ancestor to the exclusion of all other entities.
abioticThe absence of living systems.
csiroAcronym for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
gradient windHorizontal wind in the upper atmosphere that moves parallel to curved isobars
amyloidProteins with beta sheet structure that form extracellular aggregates.
infiltrationThe absorption and downward movement of water into the soil layer.
hominoidA term that refers to great apes and humans.
serious adverse eventAny untoward medical occurrence in human drug trials that at any dose results in: death, is life-threatening; requires inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, results in persistent or significant disability/incapacity, or is a congenital anomaly/birth defect.
piezoelectricA material capable of transducing mechanical output to electrical signals or, alternatively, electrical signals to mechanical output
radiation fogA type of fog that is also called ground fog
ribosomal rnaRNA molecules that make up the ribosome.
expert systemA software program or set of software programs designed to rapidly process data without human intervention.
dna ligationChemical connection of two DNA strands
pyroclastic materialPieces of volcanic rock thrown out in a volcanic explosion.
north magnetic poleLocation in the Northern Hemisphere where the lines of force from Earth's magnetic field are vertical
metabolismthe sum total of all of the chemical reactions which occur within the cell.
estuaryThe area where a freshwater stream or river merges with the ocean
sepalA modified leaf in angiosperms that helps enclose and protect a flower bud before it opens.
galápagos archipelagoa group of volcanic islands about 600 miles off the west coast of Ecuador, South America.
heteroduplexAn annealed duplex structure between two DNA strands that do not show perfect complementarity
peridotiteCoarse grained ultramafic igneous rock composed mainly of olivine and pyroxene
nivation hollowGround depression found in periglacial areas that is created by nivation.
fingerprintAny technique that enables the identification of substances by the comparison of patterns
systematicsThe analytical study of the diversity and relationships of organisms, both present -day and extinct.
fermentationThe energy-generating breakdown of glucose or related molecules by a process that does not require molecular oxygen.
differentiationThe movement from less specialized cellular forms to more specialized ones
operant conditioningA type of associative learning in which an animal learns to associate one of its own behaviors with a reward or punishment and then tends to repeat or avoid that behavior; also called trial-and-error learning.
cat assayAn enzyme assay
photoaffinity labelA label with a photoactivatable group that forms a covalent link with an adjacent protein upon illumination.
plasmid curingThe treatment of cells with a substance that interferes with plasmid replication.
compoundA substance consisting of two or more elements in a fixed ratio.
micronA unit of length equal to 10-6 meter.
secondary successionA type of succession that occurs where an existing community has been cleared by some disturbance that leaves the soil intact.
competitive immunoassayAn assay based on the competition of labeled antigen and unlabeled antigen (from the sample) for antibody binding sites.
pitchA function of a sound wave's frequency, or number of vibrations per second, expressed in hertz.
secondary consumerA member of the trophic level of an ecosystem consisting of carnivores that eat herbivores.
infrared radiationForm of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.7 and 100 micrometers (µm)
pharmingThe process of farming genetically engineered plants or animals to be used as living pharmaceutical factories
realized nicheDescribes the part of the fundamental niche that a species actually occupies.
monogenicA characteristic which is due to the information contained in a single gene.
thromboembolismA clot in a blood vessel obstructing the flow of blood.
pluralismThe belief that there are multiple opinions about an issue, each of which contains part of the truth but none contain the whole truth.
muscleMuscle is a tissue composed of bundles of cells that have the ability to contract and relax to create movement
lambda chainOne of two types of light chains that occur in antibodies.
varveA thin yearly deposit of sediment found on the bottom of a lake
heterozygousHaving two different forms of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent
cell colonyCompatibilité : Capacité de deux plasmides à coexister de façon stable à l'intérieur d'un hôte commun
latosolSoil order (type) of the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Classification System
composite volcanoVolcano created from alternate layers of flows and exploded rock
terraceAn elevated surface above the existing level of a floodplain or shore that is created by stream or ocean wave erosion.
bootstrapstarting a business with little or no external funding.
humidityA general term used to describe the amount of water vapor found in the atmosphere.
host-rangeThe strain or species specificity of a bacteriophage, plasmid, or pathogen.
read-throughFailure to stop transcription at a normal termination signal.
endodermisA layer of cells surrounding the vascular cylinder of plants.
flow cytometryAnalysis of biological material by detection of the light-absorbing or fluorescing properties of cells or subcellular fractions (i.e., chromosomes) passing in a narrow stream through a laser beam
apoptosisProcess of cell death that results from turning on specific, active processes in the cell that lead the cell to kill itself
expectationThe average value of a function g(x) of a random variable x is called its expectation,where f(x) is the probability density of x.
heterokaryonA cell with more than one nucleus.
metabolic disorderA disorder or defect in the way the body breaks down food or other products (metabolism).
in situa Latin term referring to something in its original place.
carbon monoxideA colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels
environmental varianceThe variance of the environmental deviation, var(E) = VE.
burn rateThe rate at which an unprofitable company is going through its available money.
fishFluorescent in situ hybridisation, a technique which can be used to detect and localise the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes.
o-antigenThe arrangement of polysaccharide side chains on the LPS of Gram-negative bacteria
terminal budA branch tip, an undeveloped shoot containing rudimentary floral buds or leaves, enclosed within protective bud scales.
endemicPresent in a community at all times.
nucleusthe center part of the cell
endospermIn angiosperms, the triploid cells which nourish the embryo during development
inflorescenceThe reproductive portion of a plant that bears a cluster of flowers in a specific pattern.
rrnathat have important known cellular functions
transfectionA method by which experimental DNA may be put into a cultured mammalian cell
norepinephrineSee noradrenaline.
dna repairRéplicon : Unité de réplication formée par une molécule d'ADN pouvant se répliquer de façon autonome dans une cellule
radiationThe emission of energy from an object in the form of electromagnetic waves and photons.
bacteriophage  [bacterio- + phagein to eat.]  A virus that attacks and destroys bacteria.  Studies of bacteriophage were important in early development of the field of molecular biology.
fatty acidA long carbon chain carboxylic acid
vascular tissue systemA system formed by xylem and phloem throughout a vascular plant, serving as a transport system for water and nutrients, respectively.
competenciesIdentified behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities that directly and positively impact the success of employees and the organization.
modeStatistical measure of central tendency in a set of data
rod cellOne of two kinds of photoreceptors in the vertebrate retina; sensitive to black and white and enables night vision.
vasodilationAn increase in the diameter of superficial blood vessels triggered by nerve signals that relax the muscles of the vessel walls.
reticular formationA system of neurons, containing over 90 separate nuclei, that passes through the core of the brainstem.
continental effectThe effect that continental surfaces have on the climate of locations or regions
nucleic probeSpinal : relatif à la colonne vertébrale
negative pressure breathingA breathing system in which air is pulled into the lungs.
androgen  [Greek andros man + gennan produce.] Any male hormone, of which testosterone is an example
limneticOccurring in the deeper open water of lakes or ponds.
protein complexAggregate structure consisting of multiple protein molecules.
valley trainA linear accumulation of glaciofluvial outwash sediments found in a once glaciated valley.
dichotomous treeA tree where all branching points are dichotomies
hybrid zoneA region where two related populations that diverged after becoming geographically isolated make secondary contact and interbreed where their geographical ranges overlap.
testesThe male reproductive organ, or gonad, in which sperm and reproductive hormones are produced.
transportOne of three distinct processes involved in erosion
anti-angiogenesisPrevents the growth of new blood vessels
taxonA classification category for a group of organisms.
septumA cross-wall in a hypha.
plane of the eclipticHypothetical two-dimensional surface in which the Earth's orbit around the Sun occurs.
camp3',5' cyclic adenosine monophosphate
intertidal zoneThe shallow zone of the ocean where land meets water.
volatilizationThe process where a solid or liquid substance is converted into a gas.
subtropical jet streamRelatively fast uniform winds concentrated within the upper atmosphere in a narrow band
rare health conditionsAn uncommon disorder that affects the ability of the human body to function normally.
prophylactic surgerysurgery to remove tissue that is in danger of becoming cancerous, before cancer has the chance to develop
kirchoff's lawThis law suggests that good emitters of radiation are also good absorbers of radiation at specific electromagnetic radiation wavelength bands
warm frontA transition zone in the atmosphere where an advancing warm air mass displaces a cold air mass.
microsporidiaUnicellular parasites of animals and protists that molecular comparisons suggest may be most closely related to zygomycete fungi.
nitrogen dioxideA gas produced by bacterial action in the soil and by high temperature combustion
indicationThe medical use of a product (e.g
diaphragm/DIE-ə-fram/ n
heritabilityProportion of the phenotypic variation attributed to genetic variation
position effectElectrophorèse : Technique de séparation des protéines déposées sur un gel selon leur vitesse de déplacement sous l'action d'un champ électrique
nucleusExamples include bacteria
sporopolleninA secondary product, a polymer synthesized by a side branch of a major metabolic pathway of plants that is resistant to almost all kinds of environmental damage; especially important in the evolutionary move of plants onto land.
deme/DEEM/ n
symptomologyThe science that treats the symptoms and signs of disease
mitochondriaMembrane-bound cellular organelles in which organic substrates derived from food are oxidized to provide energy for all kinds of vital activities
out-licensingA cooperation in which another company takes over the development process for a candidate drug.
oxidationThe loss of electrons from a compound.
parasiteA plant or animal that lives, grows and feeds on or within another living organism.
central nervous systemIn vertebrate animals, the brain and spinal cord.
cavitationProcess of intense erosion due to the surface collapse of air bubbles found in constricted rapid flows of water
heterosporousA term referring to a plant species that has two kinds of spores: microspores that develop into male gametophytes and megaspores that develop into female gametophytes.
prophageThe silent phage genome
gaia hypothesisThe Gaia hypothesis states that the temperature and composition of the Earth's surface are actively controlled by life on the planet
poisson distributionA statistical test developed by Simeon Poisson
baseA substance that reduces the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution
high-content screeningSimultaneous multiparametric analysis of complex systems, such as living cells.
genetic engineeringThe manipulating of genetic material in the laboratory
compoundA compound is the atoms of different elements joined together.
tandem repeatsMultiple adjacent copies of the same sequence.
restrictive conditionsThe particular environmental conditions which do not allow growth of a conditional lethal mutant but result in the expression of the mutant phenotype.
genetic isolationThe absence of genetic exchange between populations or species as a result of geographic separation or of premating or postmating mechanisms (behavioral, anatomical, or physiological) that prevent reproduction.
taq polymeraseA DNA polymerase isolated from the bacterium Thermophilis aquaticus and which is very stable to high temperatures
tfiidA general transcription factor contributing to the formation of the pre-initiation complex.
insectaa class of arthropods characterized by a body divided into three parts (head, thorax, and abdomen); the head has compound eyes and the thorax has three pairs of legs.
southern oscillationReversal of atmospheric circulation in tropical Pacific Ocean that triggers the development of an El Ni隳.
medical geneticistA doctor who diagnoses genetic conditions.
test crossProcedure for distinguishing between homozygous and heterozygous individuals for traits with complete dominance by breeding them to individuals that are homozygous recessive for that trait.
species-specificCharacteristic of (and limited to) a particular species.
adsorptionAccumulation of molecules or cells on the surface of a substance.
anion  [Pronounced AN-eye-on, more or less.]  A negatively charged atom or molecule.  See ion.
nernst equationAn equation that relates the redox potential to the standard redox potential and the concentrations of the oxidized and reduced form of the couple.
primary immune responseThe response of the immune system to the first challenge by an antigen.
electron donorSubstance that loses electrons to another substance in an oxidation-reduction reaction.
slakingSee wetting and drying.
dermatology/derm-ə-TAWL-ə-jee/ n
surface tensionA measure of how difficult it is to stretch or break the surface of a liquid
excavateWhen you excavate something, you remove it from somewhere
chasmogamyFlowering system in plants in which fertilization occurs after the flower has opened.
ovulationThe release of an egg from ovaries
uric acidAn insoluble precipitate of nitrogenous waste excreted by land snails, insects, and many reptiles, including birds.
neural crestA band of cells along the border where the neural tube pinches off from the ectoderm; the cells migrate to various parts of the embryo and form the pigment cells in the skin, bones of the skull, the teeth, the adrenal glands, and parts of the peripheral nervous system.
reptileGroup of terrestrial vertebrate animals that includes turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and alligators.
rillA very small steep sided channel carrying water
secondary plant bodyThe tissues produced by the vascular cambium and cork cambium, which thicken the stems and roots of woody plants.
in silico biologyThe use of computational algorithms to create virtual systems that emulate molecular pathways, entire cells, or more complex living systems.
metamorphosisAmong insects, metamorphosis is the transition from a distinct larval to adult (reproductive) form
valence shellThe outermost energy shell of an atom, containing the valence electrons involved in the chemical reactions of that atom.
independent learningA self-motivated and often discovery-based approach to learning.
nerveA ropelike bundle of neuron fibers (axons and dendrites) tightly wrapped in connective tissue.
kbabbreviation for kilobase, one thousand bases.
hydrophobicIncapable of interacting with water.
recessiveRefers to the member of a pair of alleles that fails to be expressed in the phenotype of the organism when the dominant member is present
retrovirusA virus that contains the enzyme reverse transcriptase
silicate magmaMagma that is felsic in composition.
geographic isolationSee spatial isolation.
meltingThe thermal denaturation of a macromolecule.
choroidA thin, pigmented inner layer of the vertebrate eye.
septicidalWhen a fruit capsule dehisces along lines coinciding with the partitions between loculi (the enclosed compartments within the ovary)
hugoHuman Genome Organization.
trochophoreLarval type characteristic of many protostomes including annelids and many mollusks.
map scaleRatio between the distance between two points found on a map compared to the actual distance between these points in the real world.
norm of reactionThe range of phenotypes produced by a single genotype, due to environmental influences.
neutral atmosphereCondition in the atmosphere where isolated air parcels do not have a tendency to rise or sink
hepatocarcinomaA cancer of the liver that is derived from hepatocytes.
short-day plantA plant that flowers, usually in late summer, fall, or winter, only when the light period is shorter than a critical length.
threshold potentialThe potential an excitable cell membrane must reach for an action potential to be initiated.
sporangiosporesA spore borne within a sporangium.
hematologicalOf or relating to the blood
isomeraseAn enzyme that catalyzes an intramolecular rearrangement.
atherosclerosisA cardiovascular disease in which growths called plaques develop in the inner walls of the arteries, narrowing their inner diameters.
molecular seive chromatographySee Gel filtration chromatography.
antigenAny substance that stimulates the production of antibodies in the body
cork cambiumA cylinder of meristematic tissue in woody plants that replaces the epidermis with thicker, tougher cork cells.
catalysisIs the process in which the rate of a chemical reaction is either increased or decreased by means of a chemical substance known as a catalyst
fastaAn algorithm for identifying sequence similarities.
latent periodThe time between the initial infection of a cell with a virus and the production and release of new virions via lysis of the bacterial cell (contrast with eclipse period).
amniocentesisA procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding a baby in the womb) is drawn out using a needle and syringe
activation energySee free energy of activation.
rossby waveSee long wave.
convergence precipitationThe formation of precipitation due to the convergence of two air masses
phenotypeThe detectable outward manifestations of a specific genotype; the physical characteristics of a living object.
electroporationEmpreinte génétique : Caractéristique structurale fine d'une région spécifique de l'ADN permettant d'identifier une cellule et sa filiation
divergent evolutionCreation of two or more unique species from one ancestral species through the differential evolution of isolated populations.
diauxic growthBiphasic growth on a mixture of two carbon sources in which one carbon source is used up before the other one
enucleationRemoval of the nucleus from a cell.
dormancyA condition typified by extremely low metabolic rate and a suspension of growth and development.
presumptive testA screening test used to indicate the possible presence of the named body fluid.
nicheSee Ecological niche.
elementElement is one atom of a particular substance found on the periodic table
radioisotope or radioactive isotopeA unstable isotope of an element
apoptosisCell death due to a intracellular developmental program or induced by other cells.
teratogen  [Greek teratos monster + genesis production.] Any agent that interferes with normal embryonic or fetal development
fanconi anaemia(FA)
primaseAn enzyme that joins RNA nucleotides to make the primer.
genetic screeningScreening is the process of testing for disease in a person who does not show signs of having the disease (a non-symptomatic or asymptomatic person)
dispersionThe distribution of individuals within geographical population boundaries.
permafrostZone of permanently frozen water found in high latitude soils and sediments
aerosolsAirborne solid or liquid particles (typically no larger than a few micrometers) that can remain in the atmosphere for hours to days
fogFog exists if the atmospheric visibility near the Earth's surface is reduced to 1 kilometer or less
array (see Microarray)
bionicsThe use of information derived from living systems to build electromechanical systems.
lucaLast Universal Common Ancestor; the most recent organism from which, in theory, all subsequent organisms have descended.
hamadaA very flat desert area of exposed bedrock.
stromatoliteA layered sedimentary structure in which the alternating layers have more and less organic matter
adherenceSimilar to compliance, and describes how closely patients follow the therapeutic regimen agreed between themselves and their healthcare practitioners
unconfined aquiferAquifer that is not restricted by impervious layers of rock.
chimerizationTechnique to make antibodies of murine origin more human
white blood cellA blood cell that functions in defending the body against infections and cancer cells; also called a leukocyte.
cosexualProducing both male and female gametes
descent with modificationDarwin’s term for evolution.
bilamellarConsisting of two layers, often used in reference to lipid bilayer structures.
sling psychrometerPsychrometer that uses a rotating handle and a whirling motion to ventilate its wet-bulb thermometer.
f+ strainE.coli strain behaving as donors during conjugation (male)
cetaceaan order of marine mammals; includes whales, dolphins and porpoises.
successionSee Ecological succession.
glycolipidA lipid covalently attached to a carbohydrate.
dermal tissue systemThe protective covering of plants; generally a single layer of tightly packed epidermal cells covering young plant organs formed by primary growth.
genotypic frequencyProportion of individuals in a population with a particular genotype.
neural crestA band of cells along the border where the neural tube pinches off from the ectoderm
molecular clockAn evolutionary hypothesis based on the assumption that mutations occur in a regular manner.
estuarySomewhat enclosed coastal area at the mouth of a river where nutrient rich fresh water meets with salty ocean water.
veneral diseaseDisease spread by sexual intercourse.
evapotranspirationThe evaporation of water from soil plus the transpiration of water from plants
major transitionsIdentified by Maynard Smith and Szathmáry as major changes in the way hereditary information is transmitted
isotopeForms of an element that differ in atomic mass.
chromosome paintingAttachment of certain fluorescent dyes to targeted parts of the chromosome
permanent environmental effectNon-genetic effect which influences all observations on an individual for the same trait, hence causing an additional covariance between the repeated measures.
glacial iceA very dense form frozen water that is much harder than snow, névé, or firn.
suppressor mutationA mutation that restores a function lost by an initial mutation and that is located at a site different from the initial mutation.
licensed for useall animal medicines require official authorisations before they can be marketed in  the UK
satellitesSmall, round appendages attached by fine stalks to the ends of the short ‘p' arms of the acrocentric chromosomes
theistic evolutionA view in which religious teachings are seen as compatible with biological evolution
discoplacental/DISK-oh-plu-SENT-əl/ adj
picomoleOne trillionth mole; 10-12 mole.
gene therapyThe process involving the correction of the effects of an abnormal gene
intermediate filamentA cytoskeletal filament about 10 nm in diameter that provides mechanical strength to cells in tissues
predispositionto have a tendency or inclination towards something in advance.
fatty acidA long-chain aliphatic acid that is found in natural fats.
consistencyA measure of whether, given sufficient data, a method will generate a correct answer.
anonymous ftpA method of sharing files on the Internet
ionAn atom or molecule with a positive or negative electrical charge
maritime effectThe effect that large ocean bodies have on the climate of locations or regions
biogeographythe study of the geographical range of different species of plants and animals around the world.
tropic hormoneA hormone that has another endocrine gland as a target.
long-day plantA plant that flowers (usually in late spring or early summer) only when the light period is longer than a critical length.
polyandryA polygamous mating system involving one female and many males.
nsaidsNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including but not limited to aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen and naproxan that reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.
penicillinasea complex enzyme found in some bacteria, which destroys penicillin and confers resistance to it.
hybridomaA hybrid cell, derived from a B (antibody producing) lymphocyte fused to a tumour cell, which grows indefinitely in tissue culture and is selected for the secretion of the specific antibody produced by that B cell.
deciliter/DES-ə-LEET-er/ n
punnett squareThe checkerboard diagram used for analysis of allele segregation.
svedberg unitThe unit used to express the sedimentation constant (S = 10-l3 sec)
headlandsA strip of land that juts seaward from the coastline
bond energyThe quantity of energy that must be absorbed to break a particular kind of chemical bond; equal to the quantity of energy the bond releases when it forms.
foliar leachingProcess in which water from precipitation removes plant nutrients from the surface of leaves.
hyphaeThread like structures found on a fungus.
dmfDimethylformamide.
biological evidenceEvidence commonly recovered from crime scenes in the form of hair, tissue, bones, teeth, blood or other bodily fluids.
directional selectionNatural selection that favors individuals on one end of the phenotypic range.
fusion proteinProteins composed of different parts
transfectionDescribes the introduction of foreign material into cells using a means of transfer.
virusInfectious units (obligate parasites) comprising either DNA or RNA enclosed in a protective coat
b chromosomeAn extra chromosome that is not required for normal function in either sex and is present in only some individuals.
working copyA gene that functions the way it is intended to.
apomixisThe production of seed without embryo fertilization, which can involve direct embryogenesis from somatic cells or the development of meiotic products into embryos.
communityall of the organisms that interact, both directly and indirectly, within an ecosystem.
landslideTerm used to describe the downslope movement of soil, rock, and other weathered materials because of gravity.
genetic heterogeneityEach individual is unique in terms of their DNA
euglenidA protist, such as Euglena or its relatives, characterized by an anterior pocket, or chamber, from which one or two flagella emerge
salivary glandsExocrine glands associated with the oral cavity
cellThe cell is the basic structural and functional unit in people and all living things
dodecandrousadj
genetic distanceA measure of the difference in allele frequencies between populations
parallel analysisSimultaneous analysis of thousands of samples.
metaboliteA molecule synthesized or modified by metabolic processes within an organism.
antibodyA glycoprotein produced by B-lymphocytes of vertebrates capable of recognizing and reversibly binding an antigen
sclerophyllous vegetationTerm used to describe drought resistant vegetation common in Mediterranean climates
protomerA subunit of an oligomeric protein.
ecological efficiencyThe ratio of net productivity at one trophic level to net productivity at the next lower level.
groundwater flowUnderground topographic flow of groundwater because of gravity.
ascusA saclike spore capsule located at the tip of a dikaryotic hypha of a sac fungus.
protogynyMaturation of the female organs before that of the male organs
vmSee mutational variance.
carbohydrateA chemical compound which contains only carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) and has the general formula Cx (H2O)y
acetyl groupA small chemical group with the formula, -COCH3
standard operation proceduresA prescribed procedure to be followed routinely.
biophysicsA branch of science concerned with the application of physical principles and methods to biological problems.
densityThe number of individuals per unit area or volume.
ingestionA heterotrophic mode of nutrition in which other organisms or detritus are eaten whole or in pieces.
ethnicityProperty of a culture or subculture whose members are readily distinguishable based on traits originating from a common source (e.g
somatic mutations(See Acquired mutations.)
collecting ductThe location in the kidney where filtrate from renal tubules is collected; the filtrate is now called urine.
glacierA large long lasting accumulation of snow and ice that develops on land
cross contaminationThe undesirable transfer of material between two or more sources of physical evidence.
pelagicPertaining to the water column of the open sea - as opposed to coastal areas or the sea floor.
polytomyA portion of a phylogenetic tree in which more than two branches emerge from a single node
secondary waveSee S-wave or shear wave.
emergentDescribes a property of a system that is not predictable from the starting conditions.
longshore transportThe transport of sediment in water parallel to a shoreline.
amphitrophicCapable of photosynthetic or chemotrophic growth.
proterozoicThe uppermost of the three divisions of the Precambrian, dating from 2.5 billion years ago to 542 million years ago.
assortative matingNonrandom choice of mates in sexual reproduction
radioactive isotope  Most other elements are similar, having one or more stable isotopes plus one or more unstable isotopes.  In the case of elements with high atomic numbers, none of the isotopes may be stable.
orbitalThe three-dimensional space where an electron is found 90% of the time.
biogenic amineA neurotransmitter derived from an amino acid.
ti plasmidA plasmid of a tumor-inducing bacterium that integrates a segment of its DNA into the host chromosome of a plant; frequently used as a carrier for genetic engineering in plants.
plateau basaltAn accumulation of horizontal flows of basaltic lava
synclineA fold in rock layers that forms a trough-like bend.
karyogamyFusion of the nuclei of the male and female gametes.
exergonic reactionA chemical reaction that takes place with a negative change in standard free energy.
prostate glandA gland in human males that secretes an acid-neutralizing component of semen.
ligandA molecule that binds to a receptor.
anti-hbcAntibody to hepatitis B core antigen.
group selectionSelection of traits that increase survival and proliferation of groups of individuals.
endonucleaseEnzyme that breaks the phosphodiester bonds in a DNA molecule.
trigonotarbidMember of an order of extinct terrestrial spider-like animals (order Trigonotarbida).
bufferA conjugate acid-base pair that is capable of resisting changes in pH when acid or base is added to the system
langleyUnit of the intensity of radiation measured per minute and equal to one calorie.
phylumA taxonomic category in Linnaean biological classification
temperatureA measure of the intensity of heat in degrees, reflecting the average kinetic energy of the molecules.
ecological successionTransition in the species composition of a biological community, often following ecological disturbance of the community; the establishment of a biological community in an area virtually barren of life.
mutagenesisA process that leads to a change in the genetic material that is inherited in later generations.
systemA system is a set of interrelated components working together towards some kind of process.
histocompatibility antigenAn antigen that causes the rejection of grafted material from an animal different in genotype from the host animal
tornado alleyRegion in North America which receives a extraordinary high number of tornadoes
meanThe mean of sample is calculated by taking the sum of all data values and dividing by the total number of data values.
upslope fogFog produced by air flowing over topographic barriers
epstein-barr virusA herpes virus that causes mononucleosis.
muscardineA term used generally in connection with those mycoses of insects in which the fruiting bodies of the pathogenic fungi (muscardine fungi) arise on the exterior of the insect, produce a thick covering about the animal
conidiophoreA specialized hypha bearing conidia.
symptomEvidence of a disorder or disease that directly affects and is noticed by the patient, such as a rash, pain, nausea, or a runny nose.
euramericaAn ancient supercontinent consisting of large parts of the modern continents of North America, Europe, and Greenland
dicotA flowering plant with two embryonic initial leaves, known as cotyledons.
broad host rangeThe ability to infect and reproduce in a wide variety of different organisms
protoplasmAll the contents of a cell, including the nucleus
computer-assisted molecular modelingComputational techniques for the exploration and visualization of molecular structures and properties.
discodactylous/DISK-oh-DAK-təl-əs/ adj
signaling networkThe interconnected network formed by the interactions of multiple signaling pathways within a cell.
f- cellA cell which does not contain the F-factor, and hence able to act as a recipient (female) in a conjugative DNA transfer in matings with F+ or Hfr strains.
estrogenA steroid hormone produced by the ovaries.
endoparasiteA parasite that lives within the body of its hosts.
basement rockVery old granite and metamorphic rocks found in continental crust
biophysicsThe application of the techniques of physics to biological processes.
tay-sachs disease  An autosomal recessive disorder involving deterioration of the central nervous system and death in young children
sign stimulusAn external sensory stimulus that triggers a fixed action pattern.
rhizomeAn underground stem that grows horizontally and generally gives off vertical stems that bear leaves and reproductive structures.
orthogenesisAn inherent tendency for lineages to change in a particular direction.
amniocentesisA procedure for obtaining amniotic fluid for prenatal diagnosis
følling's diseaseAn early term for PKU, named after Asbjorn Følling, who was the first to discover a link between excess phenylalanine and the syndrome of progressive and severe mental retardation we now know as PKU.
labellingMarqueur génétique : Séquence d'ADN repérable spécifiquement
phase variationA mechanism which results in variable expression of surface antigens
rimeDeposit of ice crystals that occurs when fog or super cooled water droplets comes in contact with an object with a temperature below freezing (0° Celsius)
pancreasA gland with dual functions: The nonendocrine portion secretes digestive enzymes and an alkaline solution into the small intestine via a duct; the endocrine portion secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon into the blood.
norm of reactionThe range of phenotypic possibilities for a single genotype, as influenced by the environment.
talus slopeA slope that is composed of talus.
somatic nervous systemThe branch of the motor division of the vertebrate peripheral nervous system composed of motor neurons that carry signals to skeletal muscles in response to external stimuli.
optical tweezersA laser-based technique that utilizes minute forces exerted by light waves to measure and to manipulate biomolecules.
mosasaurAny member of a group of large, extinct, predaceous marine reptiles that appeared late in the Cretaceous and became extinct at the end of the period
parasexual recombinationThe occurrence of nuclear fusion without proper meiosis.
sexual selectionSelection based on variation in secondary sex characteristics, leading to the enhancement of sexual dimorphism.
sex influencedA genetic condition or characteristic whose expression or severity differs between the sexes
clinical trialhuman study designed to measure the safety and efficacy of a new drug.
algaea general term for aquatic plants that lack seeds and vascular tissue
paedomorphosisThe retention in an adult organism of the juvenile features of its evolutionary ancestors.
cloningthe process of making genetically identical copies.
data miningThe automated or semi-automated search for relationships and global patterning within data
continuous cell-lineA cell line which has acquired the characteristic of being "immortal", i.e
capillary actionThe movement of water or any liquid along a surface; results from the combined effect of cohesion and adhesion.
continental glacierLargest type of glacier with a surface coverage in the order of 5 million square kilometers.
radioactive decayNatural decay of the nucleus of an atom where alpha or beta particle and/or gamma rays are released at a fixed rate.
testosteroneThe condition was earlier called testicular feminization
pluripotencyThe capacity to develop into all of the different types of cells in adult tissues and organs.
dna glycosylaseEnzymes that initiate DNA repair by hydrolyzing links to bases.
free energy of activationThe initial investment of energy necessary to start a chemical reaction; also called activation energy.
somatic cellsAny cell in the body except for sperm and egg cells.
humoral immune responseThe production of antibody by B cells of the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign antigen
zone of elongationThe zone of primary growth in roots where new cells elongate, sometimes up to ten times their original length.
colony blotsSee Colony hybridization.
capsule(1) A sticky layer that surrounds the cell walls of some prokaryotes, protecting the cell surface and sometimes helping to glue the cell to surfaces
tubal ligationA means of sterilization in which a woman's two oviducts (Fallopian tubes) are tied closed to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus
dna fingerprintingA term for DNA typing.
fluorescenceThe emission of light by an excited molecule in the process of making the transition from the excited state to the ground state.
biolisticsThe high-velocity injection of DNA-coated particles directly into tissues, cells, or organelles using a gene gun.
rnaA nucleic acid that is found in the cytoplasm and also in the nucleus of some cells
immigrationMigration of an organism into an area for the purpose of changing its residence permanently
hormoneA signaling molecule produced by an endocrine gland that acts on cells at distant body sites.
neutral evolutionEvolving without the influence of natural selection.
gust frontA boundary found ahead of a thunderstorm that separates cold storm downdrafts from warm humid surface air
phytochemicalA biologically active molecule derived from herbs, vegetables, fruits, flowers, etc.
white matterTracts of axons within the CNS.
enzymeA protein that encourages a biochemical reaction, usually speeding it up
eutrophic lakeLake that has an excessive supply of nutrients, mostly in the form of nitrates and phosphates
diabetesA grouping of diseases in which either the body does not synthesize (manufacture) insulin, or else its tissues are insensitive to the insulin that it does synthesize.
agonistA ligand that binds a receptor at a site adjacent to the active site.
falsificationFalsification is a procedure used in science to test the validity of a hypothesis or theory
action letterAn official FDA communication that informs the sponsor of an NDA or BLA of a decision by the agency
nodeA point along the stem of a plant at which leaves are attached.
reductionismReducing complex systems to simpler components that are more manage
coral reefRidge of limestone found generally below the ocean surface
evolutionAll the changes that have transformed life on Earth from its earliest beginnings to the diversity that characterizes it today
metabolomeThe total small molecule complement of whole cells.
deconvoluteTo simplify or render less complex.
rock cycleGeneral model describing the geomorphic and geologic processes involved in the creation, modification and recycling of rocks.
adjuvantA substance that enhances or diversifies the immune response; a drug that modulates the actions of other drugs.
ultraviolet radiationElectromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 0.1 and 0.4 micrometers (µm).
immunotoxinAn antibody joined to a toxic molecule that is used to target toxins to specific tissues.
crossMating between genetically different individuals.
catalystA chemical that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction
transformationThe alteration of the heritable properties of a cell.
stream orderThe relative position, or rank, of a stream channel segment in a drainage network.
precipitateSolidification of a previously dissolved substance from a solution.
myosistisAn inflammation of the muscle, which can result from infection, injury, or attach by the immune system on muscle tissue.
hypotonicOsmotic potential less than that of living cells
antherThe male reproductive organ where pollen is produced in a flowering plant.
squall lineA band of thunderstorm development found ahead of a cold front.
epidermal cellA type of cell that forms a protective layer on the surfaces of plants and animals.
fundamental nicheDescribes the total range of environmental conditions that are suitable for a species existence without the effects of interspecific competition and predation from other species.
clinical pharmacology studyclinical trial designed to determine the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET) of a drug.
dune fieldAn extensive region covered by numerous sand dunes.
phenylketonuriaA hereditary disorder that results in reduced production of the liver enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase
alzheimer's diseaseA disease that causes memory loss, personality changes, dementia and, ultimately, death
reconstructWhen you reconstruct something, you rebuild it
granularityThe degree to which a system contains separate components
gel electrophoresissee electrophoresis
nitrogen fixationThe assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen by certain prokaryotes into nitrogenous compounds that can be directly used by plants.
radioactive isotopeAn isotope (an atomic form of a chemical element) that is unstable; the nucleus decays spontaneously, giving off detectable particles and energy
eukaryoteOrganisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and many specialized structures located within their cell boundary
secondary immune responseThe immune response elicited when an animal encounters the same antigen at some later time
environmental factorsFactors in the environment that may have an effect on our development or growth eg
exponential growthIn populations, the increasingly accelerated rate of growth due to the increasing number of individuals being added to the reproductive base
determinacyDestined to produce a defined number of organs
gelifluctionForm of mass movement in periglacial environment where a permafrost layer exists
southeast trade windsSee trade winds.
phytoremediationAn emerging nondestructive technology that seeks to cheaply reclaim contaminated areas by taking advantage of the remarkabJe ability of some plant species to extract heavy metals and other pollutants from the soil and to concentrate them in easily harvested portions of the plant.
mouse modelA laboratory mouse is useful for medical research because it has specific characteristics that resemble a human disease or disorder
lateral inhibitionA process that sharpens the edges and enhances the contrast of a perceived image by inhibiting receptors lateral to those that have responded to light.
tillHeterogeneous sediment deposited directly by a glacier
solution hybridizationA method closely related to RNase protection (see "RNase protection assay")
cambrian explosionA burst of evolutionary origins when most of the major body plans of animals appeared in a relatively brief time in geological history; recorded in the fossil record about 545 to 525 million years ago.
electron microscopeA microscope that focuses an electron beam through a specimen, resulting in resolving power a thousandfold greater than that of a light microscope
trace elementSee microelement.
biomeLargest recognizable assemblage of animals and plants on the Earth
fertileCapable of reproduction.
vascular cylinderThe central cylinder of vascular tissue in a root.
stop signalSilenceur : Région de l'ADN située au voisinage d'un gène et qui diminue sa transcription
bloodA type of connective tissue with a fluid matrix called plasma in which blood cells are suspended.
flaccidLimp
cancerAny malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
cellular respirationThe most prevalent and efficient catabolic pathway for the production of ATP, in which oxygen is consumed as a reactant along with the organic fuel.
aquaticPertaining to water - as in aquatic habitat (ponds, lakes, streams, oceans, etc).
restriction-modificationThe modification of host DNA to prevent cutting by a restriction endonuclease (see restriction endonuclease)
life tableA table of data summarizing mortality in a population.
haemolymphThe mixture of blood and other fluids in the body cavity of an invertebrate.
cofactorAny nonprotein molecule or ion that is required for the proper functioning of an enzyme
pyramid of numbersGraphical model describing the number of organisms that exist at each trophic level in a community or an ecosystem
hydrophilicSoluble in water.
osmoregulatorAn animal whose body fluids have a different osmolarity than the environment, and that must either discharge excess water if it lives in a hypotonic environment or take in water if it inhabits a hypertonic environment.
keystone speciesA species that is not necessarily abundant in a community yet exerts strong control on community structure by the nature of its ecological role or niche.
cloneA living organism produced asexually from a single ancestor, to which it is genetically identical.
stigmaThe sticky part of a flower's carpel, which traps pollen grains.
lactose intoleranceMore information is available in OMIM.
ecological nicheThe sum total of an organism's utilization of the biotic and abiotic resources of its environment.
conodontAn early, soft-bodied vertebrate with prominent eyes and dental elements.
systematicsThe branch of biology that studies the diversity of life; encompasses taxonomy and is involved in reconstructing phylogenetic history.
dissociation curveA chart showing the relative amounts of oxygen bound to hemoglobin when the pigment is exposed to solutions varying in their partial pressure of dissolved oxygen, pH, or other characteristics.
neurotrophic factorFamille de gènes : Ensemble de gènes ayant de grandes ressemblances fonctionnelles et structurelles
heterozygoteAn organism that has different alleles of a particular gene.
quantitationMethod used to determine the quantity of "x" in a given sample
proportionalCause and effect relationship between two variables where a positive or negative change in the quantity of one causes a predictable similar quantity change in the other.
enzyme stabilizationThe stabilization of the active structure of an enzyme by binding with antibodies
flocculationChemical processes where salt causes the aggregation of minute clay particles into larger masses that are too heavy to remain suspended water.
turnoverThe mixing of waters as a result of changing water-temperature profiles in a lake.
b factorA fungal incompatibility factor
neuralgianoo-RAL-zhə/ Sharp, shooting pain along the length of a nerve.
biorepositoryA collection of human biological samples (such as blood and tissue) and medical information about the people who gave their samples for research studies.
footprintingA method for identification of a protein-binding site on a DNA molecule
monosaccharideA simple sugar with the basic formula of (CH2O)n.
pharmacogenomicsexamination of the genetic basis for variation in response to therapeutics by different individuals.
lava flowStream of lava flowing from a volcanic vent.
waveA moving swell or ridge on the surface of a solid or liquid or within the medium of a gas
unrooted treeA phylogenetic tree in which the root is not shown (frequently because it is not known).
decolonisationA process, usually using topical antimicrobial substances, to eliminate bacteria from the skin or mucosal surfaces of an individual.
bioleachingThe recovery of precious metals from ore by biological processes.
nicheThe set of resources and manner of using them of a given species.
double-helixthe physical structure of DNA, comprising two parallel strands of DNA coiled helically.
eutrophicationPhysical, chemical and biological changes in a water body as a result of the input nitrogen and phosphorus.
immunologystudy of disease and the body?s response to it.
dendrochronology/den-droh-krə-NAWL-ə-jee/ n
aspermiaThe absence of sperm; sterility in males.
orthopedic doctorA doctor trained to specialize in bony injury.  Individuals with CMD will see an orthopedic doctor to check for scoliosis and contractures.  An orthopedic surgeon may perform a surgery to release a contracture or fix scoliosis.  An orthopedic doctor may also write the prescription for occupational and physical therapy.
nerve growth factorA protein that stimulates the growth of neurons and the formation of neural networks.
metabolic pathwayA series of chemical reactions that either builds a complex molecule (anabolic pathway) or breaks down a complex molecule into simpler compounds (catabolic pathway).
savannaA tropical or sub-tropical plant community characterized by trees and shrubs scattered among a cover of grasses, herbs and forbs
binary fissionThe type of cell division by which prokaryotes reproduce; each dividing daughter cell receives a copy of the single parental chromosome.
antisense technologygene silencing or the process of inactivating a gene.
ligniteLow grade coal
toxicPoisonous.
deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) - Self replicating molecule that encodes hereditary information, consisting of long chains of four different nucleotides arranged in a double helix.
proximalNear to (compare distal).
permissive conditionsA particular environmental condition which allows the growth of an organism with a conditional mutation
anti-hbsAntibody to hepatitis B surface antigen.
fragile x syndromeA frequent genetic cause of mental retardation
ferrobacteriaBacteria that utilize iron as an energy source.
recombination frequencyThe number of recombinants divided by the total number of progeny
toxinA harmful substance, specifically one produced by an animal, plant, or bacterium
inhibition model of successionThis model of succession suggests that the change in plant species dominance over time is caused by death and small scale disturbances and variations is plant species longevity and ability to disperse
energyThe ability to bring about changes or to do work.
confined groundwaterGroundwater trapped between two impervious layers of rock.
symptomAny object aberration in function (including behavior), indicating disease.
subsolar pointThe location on the Earth where the Sun is directly overhead
reproductive rateThe number of progeny produced by a parent per unit of time as per year.
coronavirusA single-stranded RNA virus that resembles a crown when viewed under an electron microscope because of its petal-shaped projections
oxygen debtIn muscle, the cumulative deficit of oxygen that develops during strenuous exercise when the supply of oxygen is inadequate for the demand; ATP is produced anaerobically by glycolysis, and the resulting pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid, which is subsequently metabolized when adequate oxygen is available.
kuvan®Kuvan® is sapropterin dihydrochloride, a pharmaceutical formulation of tetrahydrobiopterin (soluble tablets) that is approved for use in the management of PKU in many countries.
marine benthic zoneThe ocean floor.
sedimentary rockRock formed from sand and mud that once settled in layers on the bottom of seas, lakes, and marshes
symbiosisA close association between two organisms.
one-tailed statistical testIs an inferential statistical test where the values for which one can reject the null hypothesis are located entirely in one side of the center of the probability distribution.
hostAn animal or plant on which, or in which, a parasite lives
angel investorwealthy individual who personally provides startup capital to very young companies to help them grow.
neutrophilNeutrophils are a particular kind of white blood cell
moist adiabatic lapse rateSee saturated adiabatic lapse rate.
aspartameAspartame is an artificial sweetener, sold under various brand names
informed consentA term describing the responsibility of doctors or researchers to ensure that patients or people have an understanding of the relevant facts regarding their care or participation in research
bioticliving, biological
transfectionInfection of a cell with nucleic acid from a virus, resulting in replication of the complete virus.
false originLocation of the starting coordinates picked to the south and west of the true origin of a rectangular coordinate system
oxygen  [Symbol O; atomic number = 8; atomic mass = 15.999.]   A very important element for biological systems and for other processes.  Many substances combine with oxygen, either directly or indirectly, releasing energy that can be used for other purposes.  In many organisms, including all eukaryotes, this process of oxidation causes energy to be transferred to ATP, which then serves as an energy source for many other processes.  Oxygen is an important component of a very large number of biological molecules.
chimeraA composite individual derived from the fusion of two embryos.
intellectual propertyA term that refers to the content of the human intellect, or the result of intellectual effort, which is considered to be unique and original and have value in the marketplace, and therefore requires legal protection and ownership
gross primary productivityTotal amount of chemical energy fixed by the processes of photosynthesis.
plaqueA clear zone in a layer of cells produced by the action of an agent that lyses the cells, such as a virus.
tropismRefers to host tropism that is a process of tropism that determines which cells
b cellA B-lymphocyte.
feldsparA group of common aluminum silicate minerals that contains potassium, sodium, or calcium.
leukocyteA white blood cell; typically functions in immunity, such as phagocytosis or antibody production.
photosynthesisThe process by which some organisms use energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic materials
antibodyA specific protein that interacts with a foreign substance (antigen) in a specific way.
parkinson's diseaseA degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's motor skills and speech.
pubmedPubMed is a database of bibliographic information developed by NCBI.
thermotherapyTechnique mainly used for virus or mycoplasma elimination
amyotrophic lateral sclerosisan inherited, fatal degenerative nerve disorder; also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
asexual reproductionGrowth and cell duplication that does not involve the union of nuclei from cells of opposite mating types.
lymphocyteA leukocyte (white blood cell) that functions in specific immunity.
zone of saturationGroundwater zone within the Earth's bedrock where all available pores spaces are filled by water
law of mass actionThe finding that the rate of a chemical reaction is a function of the product of the concentrations of the reacting species.
model organismA relatively simple organism that duplicates some critical aspect of a more complex system that would be difficult to manipulate experimentally
resonance hybridA molecular structure that is a hybrid of two structures that differ in the locations of some of the electrons
plate tectonicsThe theory of plate tectonics proposes that the Earth's crust is composed of a dozen or more large and small plates that move relative to one another as they ride on convection currents in the hotter mantle that lies beneath
fetal alcohol syndromea link between excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy and birth defects; characteristics include small head and eyes, folds of the skin that obscure the inner juncture of the eyelids, short, upturned nose, and thin lips.
catalysis  [Greek katalysis dissolution.] An increase in the rate of a process in the presence of a substance (the catalyst) that itself is not consumed in the process
monospecificAn antibody that recognizes a single antigen or epitope.
adenylyl cyclaseAn enzyme that converts ATP to cyclic AMP in response to a chemical signal.
passive immunityImmunity acquired by transfer of antibodies or T-lymphocytes from another individual.
vegetative reproductionAsexual reproduction
raindrop impactForce exerted by a falling raindrop on a rock, sediment, or soil surface.
cloningthe process of producing a genetically identical group of cells from a single ancestor.
gentamicinA type of aminoglycoside antibiotic
gene poolThe set of all genes in a particular population
gross secondary productivityTotal amount of chemical energy assimilated by consumer organisms.
pseudotypingProcess for changing the cell binding specificity of a virus by changing the capsid (envelope) proteins.
hydrophobicPreferring not to be in contact with water, as is the case with the hydrocarbon portion of a fatty acid or phospholipid chain.
interferenceOne crossover event inhibits the chances of another crossover event
central canalThe narrow cavity in the center of the spinal cord that is continuous with the fluid-filled ventricles of the brain.
asexual reproductionA type of reproduction involving only one parent that produces genetically identical offspring by budding or by the division of a single cell or the entire organism into two or more parts.
astrocyteA glial cell found in the brain with a star-like shape
frequencyThe number of times something happens in a specific group.
photosphereVisible surface of Sun from which radiant energy is release.
glossaryA defined list of terminology that may include industry specific terms and trade names.
periplastThe entire assemblage of scales, spines and spicules which encase some heliozoa, chrysomonads, etc.
genetic engineeringThe direct manipulation of genes for practical purposes.
genotypeThe actual genes carried by an individual.
micromanipulatorInstrument used with a microscope for manipulating small instruments and specimens.
flagelluman extension on many unicellular organisms that enables movement through whip-like motions
endosporeA metabolically inactive, nonreplicating form of certain bacteria, including the genera Bacillus and Clostridium
meanStatistical measure of central tendency in a set of data
gene expressionThe process by which a gene
essSee evolutionarily stable strategy.
leukemiaCancer of the developing blood cells in the bone marrow
cambrianThe first of the six periods of the Paleozoic Era, from 543 to 490 million years ago.
albedoProportion of light or radiation reflected by a surface.
crystal structureA structure obtained by x-ray diffraction analysis of a crystal consisting of an ordered array of biomacromolecules.
seamountan isolated, steep-sided, peak on the seafloor usually caused by volcanic activity
is elementAn insertion sequence
hyperphenylalaninemiaElevated levels of phenylalanine in the blood
spongesCommon name for members of the phylum Porifera, which are thought to be the earliest branching lineage of animals
countercurrent multiplier systemA countercurrent system in which energy is expended in active transport to facilitate exchange of materials and create concentration gradients
mutationBiotechnology Commercial or industrial processes that utilize biological systems or products.
dna replicationThe process of replicating a double-stranded DNA molecule.
domainn
stromatoliteRock made of banded domes of sediment in which are found the most ancient forms of life: prokaryotes dating back as far as 3.5 billion years.
phage tailProteins that extend from a phage head and mediate adsorption to receptors on the host cell.
g proteinA GTP-binding protein that relays signals from a plasma-membrane signal receptor, known as a G-protein linked receptor, to other signal-transduction proteins inside the cell
oxidationThe loss of electrons from a substance involved in a redox reaction.
ring chromosomeThis occurs as a result of the fusion of the two ends of the same chromosome; there is a consequent loss of genetic material.
contour intervalDifference in elevation between two successive contour lines
frontal liftingLifting of a warmer or less dense air mass by a colder or more dense air mass at a frontal transitional zone.
component of fitnessSee fitness component.
multifactorial traita trait that is determined by heredity and environment.
templateStrictly speaking, the full name should be DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, since some viruses can use an RNA template to make RNA.
exotoxinA toxic protein that is secreted by a prokaryote and that produces specific symptoms even in the absence of the prokaryote
anticoagulantSubstance that prevents blood from clotting.
vascular tissuePlant tissue consisting of cells joined into tubes that transport water and nutrients throughout the plant body.
chemical reactionReaction between chemicals where there is a change in the chemical composition of the elements or compounds concerned.
precautionary principleA guiding principle in making decisions about the environment, cautioning to consider carefully the potential consequences of actions.
mesoproterozoicDivision of time from 1600 to 1000 Mya.
gene testingMethods that identify the presence, absence or mutation of a particular gene in an individual.
limiting factorAbiotic condition that most controls the growth of a species
optical densitySynonymous with absorbance
clinical testingTesting that is done to confirm if a person has a condition.
periplasmThe space between the bacterial cell membrane and the cell wall
calicivirusThe virus that causes rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD) in rabbits
competitive exclusion principleThe concept that when the populations of two species compete for the same limited resources, one population will use the resources more efficiently and have a reproductive advantage that will eventually lead to the elimination of the other population.
dry depositionThe transport of gases and minute liquid and solid particles from the atmosphere to the ground surface without the aid of precipitation or fog
foldWavelike layers in rock strata that are the result of compression.
social learningModification of behavior through the observation of other individuals.
cystic fibrosisA human genetic disorder caused by a recessive allele for a chloride channel protein; characterized by an excessive secretion of mucus and consequent vulnerability to infection; fatal if untreated.
geodesyThe science that measures the surface features of the Earth.
mass-to-charge ratioThe ratio of the mass of an ion being analyzed to its charge.
proficiency testA proficiency test is a quality assurance measure used to monitor performance of an examiner.
plasmodiumA single mass of cytoplasm containing many diploid nuclei that forms during the life cycle of some slime molds.
lymphomasA group of diseases of unknown cause, characterized by painless, progressive enlargement of the lymphoid tissue.
lectinA glycoprotein that binds sugars and agglutinates cells.
defective prophageProsome : Petite particule ribonucléoprotéique associée à un ARN messager libre et réprimé dans le cytoplasme
cmsSee cytoplasmic male sterility.
headwatersUpper portion of stream's drainage system.
genotypic valueValue of a genotype measured for a single locus as the phenotypic value associated with the genotype minus the average phenotypic value of the two homozygotes.
lipidA biological molecule that is soluble in organic solvents
congenicStrains that are identical except for a small region of the chromosome.
diatomType of microscopic, photosynthetic algae known for its intricately designed, silica-containing shell
autogamyThe mode of reproduction in which fusion of two haploid nuclei from the same individual results in formation of the zygote.
three-hybrid systemA technique for the detection of complexes that involve three proteins; also used to refer to a technique for the detection of RNA-protein interactions.
cloneRefers to a replica
commensal bacterianormally harmless bacteria that help an individual digest foods and acquire nutrients
transcriptomeThe total set of different RNA molecules transcribed from the genome in a particular cell, tissue or organism at a given time.
homologyA similarity due to inheritance from a common ancestor (see also
multipotentThe potential to make a few cell types in the body
saturation mixing ratioMass of water vapor that a kilogram of dry air can hold at saturation
individualizationIn forensic science, the process of attempting to associate an item of evidence with one and only one source.
distalAway from (contrast with proximal).
translational initiation signalSee initiation codon.
pentoseA sugar with five carbon atoms.
low-density lipoproteinA lipoprotein particle that transports cholesterol in the circulation.
northern blottingSee Southern blotting.
analogous structurea body part in two or more species that performs a similar function but has a different structure; for example, the wings of bats and butterflies.
sea archA coastal landform composed of rock that resembles an arch
zinc fingerA DNA-binding protein motif that contains residues that coordinate a zinc ion which creates a finger-like loop.
expected heterozygositySee gene diversity.
eukaryoteAn organism whose cells contain a nucleus and, usually, other membrane-bound organelles
entropyThe randomness of a system.
symbiosisEcological relationship between two organisms in which both parties benefit.
segregrateSee segregration below.
androgensThis causes masculinization of affected children.
pyloric sphincterIn the vertebrate digestive tract, a muscular ring that regulates the passage of food out of the stomach and into the small intestine.
nephritisnə-FRĪT-əs/ Inflammation of the kidney.
greenhouse effectThe tendency for certain gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, to trap heat at the Earth's surface by reducing outgoing long-wave radiation
cos siteThe sequence that is cut to produce the cohesive, single-stranded extensions located at the ends of the linear DNA molecules of certain phages (e.g
genetic markerA sequence of DNA that has a known location on a chromosome and is known to be associated with a particular gene or trait
adaptationProcess of selection on heritable components of the phenotype that enhances the survival and reproductive fitness of a population.
ovaryAn ovule-containing organ that is derived from fused carpels.
nociceptorA class of naked dendrites in the epidermis of the skin.
mossA small, herbaceous nonvascular plant that is a member of the phylum Bryophyta.
conservation biologyMultidisciplinary science that deals with the conservation of genes, species, communities, and ecosystems that make up Earth's biodiversity
epinephrineA
heatThe total amount of kinetic energy due to molecular motion in a body of matter
equilibriumThe point at which the concentrations of two compounds are such that the interconversion of one compound into the other compound does not result in any change in free energy.
heat of vaporizationThe quantity of heat a liquid must absorb for 1 g of it to be converted from the liquid to the gaseous state.
base-pair substitutionA type of point mutation; the replacement of one nucleotide and its partner in the complementary DNA strand by another pair of nucleotides.
traitany detectable phenotypic property of an organism.
measurement scaleAn object showing standard units of length (e.g., ruler) used in photographic documentation of an item of evidence.
dispersalAn organism leaving its place or birth or activity for another location.
monoecySystem of sexual expression in plant species in which individual plants bear staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers that are physically seperated on the same plant..
negative test resultA possible result of a screening or diagnostic test.  If the result came back from a genetic screening test, it means that the test did not find any evidence of the genetic condition for which it was testing.  If the result came back from a genetic diagnostic test, then the test did not find any evidence that the person has the genetic condition for which it was testing.
bacteriophageVirus that lives in and kills bacteria
detritusDead organic matter.
cross-fertilizationFusion of gametes formed by different individuals; as opposed to self-fertilization.
combination therapyA cancer treatment strategy that employs a variety of different chemotherapeutic agents simultaneously
cation exchangeChemical trading of cations between the soil minerals and organic matter with the soil solution and plant roots.
bayA body of sheltered water found in a crescent shaped coastal configuration of land.
promoterA region of DNA
locusthe position of a particular gene on a chromosome.
vitaminA trace organic substance required in the diet of some species
crassulacean acid metabolismA process by which some species of plants in hot, dry climates take in carbon dioxide during the night, fixing it in organic acids; the carbon dioxide is released during the day and used immediately in the Calvin cycle.
amniotic eggA shelled, water-retaining egg that enables reptiles, birds, and egg-laying mammals to complete their life cycles on dry land.
minichromosomeMinigène : Gène reconstruit à des fins expérimentales à partir de ses séquences régulatrices et de l'ADNc double brin de l'ARNm correspondant
somatic cellCell that is not involved in the production of gametes.
relaxationThe self-adjustment of a molecular system to a new minimum free energy state after the perturbation of the system.
chromatographyThe separation of a mixture of substances by charge, size, or other property by allowing the mixture to partition between a moving phase and a stationary phase.
stratumA layer of sedimentary rock that is visually separate from layers above or below it.
false negativeA test result indicating that a person does not have a specific disease when, in fact, they do have a specific disease.
adaThe Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.
orgasmRhythmic, involuntary contractions of certain reproductive structures in both sexes during the human sexual response cycle.
chinook windThe name of a North American wind that occurs on the leeward side of mountains
eeaSee environment of evolutionary adaptation.
peatPartially decomposed remains of plants that once flourished in a waterlogged environment.
paleoclimatologyScientific study of the Earth's climate during the past.
diauxic growthA biphasic growth curve, typically resulting from the sequential use of multiple nutrients (e.g
duodenal atresiaRefers to a blockage in the hollow tube that connects the stomach to the rest of the intestine.
bottomset bedHorizontal deltaic deposit of alluvial sediment composed of fine silt and clay.
metasomatic metamorphismForm of metamorphism that causes the chemical replacement of elements in rock minerals when gases and liquids permeate into bedrock.
ligninA polymer of phenolic residues that strengthens secondary cell walls.
cytostomeLiterally, 'the cell mouth'
metastasesTumor which has spread out from the original place of the tumor.
vital staininga technique where the viability of cells is assessed by their inability to permit the entry of water-soluble dyes
derived traitA synapomorphy.
subpopulationSubgroup of individuals isolated from other member of the larger or total population.
environmental variationVariation between genetically identical individuals.
prosthetic groupSynonymous with coenzyme except that a prosthetic group is usually more firmly attached to the enzyme it serves.
varietya subdivision of a species for taxonomic (DESCRIPTION??) classification, sometimes referred to as a cultivar (cultivar is short for cultivated variety)
enzymeA protein that acts as a catalyst, affecting the rate at which a chemical reaction occurs within a cell, without being changed or used up in the reaction.
iq"Intelligence Quotient", a commonly used index of intelligence derived from tests
structured coalescentAn extension to the coalescent process in which lineages move from place to place as they trace backward in time while they coalesce.
double helixThe twisted-ladder shape that two strands of DNA form.
macrosporocyteCell which undergoes meiosis to generate the meiotic products that become ovules.
phenotypic varianceThe variance of the phenotypic value, var(P)= VP.
f-factorAn E
bacteriuma one-celled pathogen which can survive either as a free-living organism or as a parasite
photobiologyThe study of the effects of light on living systems.
haltereSense organs found in Diptera on the second thoracic segment, evolutionarily derived by modification of the wings
transport protein  A protein whose function is to bind and transport a substance from one part of the body to another.  Examples are hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, and transferrin, which binds iron in the plasma and transports it to tissues, especially liver.
pfuAbbreviation for plaque forming unit.
non-renewable resourceResource that is finite in quantity and is being used faster than its ability to regenerate itself.
hereditary mutationsA change within a gene that can be passed to offspring.
european commissiona group, appointed by the agreement of the governments of the European Union, which initiates Union action and safeguards its treaties.
helper virusA virus that provides a function or functions to another virus in the same cell.
bacteriostaticInhibiting growth and reproduction of bacteria.
geometric isomerOne of several organic compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the spatial arrangements of their atoms.
behavioral geneticsThe study of genes that may influence behavior.
generation intervalThe time elapsing from reproduction in one generation to the time the next generation reproduces.
bipolar disorderDepressive mental illness characterized by swings of mood from high to low; also called manic-depressive disorder.
magnetosphereZone that surrounds the Earth that is influenced by the Earth's magnetic field.
varianceA statistical measure of the dispersion of observation values in a data set
homeosisEvolutionary alteration in the placement of different body parts.
fault scarpThe section of the fault plane exposed in a fault
gause's principleSee Competitive exclusion principle.
rhyoliteA fine grained extrusive igneous rock that is rich in quartz and potassium feldspar
chromosomesStructures within a cell nucleus that carry genetic information that determines the sex and characteristics an organism inherits from its parents.
etiolationPlant morphological adaptations for growing in darkness
exonucleaseAn enzyme that cleaves nucleotides sequentially from free ends of a linear nucleic acid substrate.
host rangeThe limited range of host cells that each type of virus can infect and parasitize.
lucaSee last universal common ancestor.
atomic massThe total mass of an atom, which is the mass in grams of one mole of the atom.
lymphA transparent, slightly yellow fluid that carries lymphocytes, bathes the body tissues, and drains into the lymphatic vessels.
antigenic determinantA specific region of an antigenic molecule that binds an antibody (epitope)
mass numberThe sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus.
transcription unitis transcribed along with the
ecological capacityThe actual resource base of a country
law of independent assortmentGenetic factors that influence one trait segregate independently from those that influence a second trait.
deaminationThe enzymatic removal of an amine group, as in the deamination of an amino acid to an alpha keto acid.
synoptic scaleScale of geographic coverage used on daily weather maps to describe large scale atmospheric phenomenon (for example, mid-latitude cyclone, air masses, fronts, and hurricanes).
secondary growthThe increase in girth of the stems and roots of many plants, especially woody, perennial dicots.
backshore slopeSloping bank landward of the shore
ethicsA branch of philosophy that deals with morality
gneissA coarse-grained rock usually with alternating light and dark layers composed of different minerals
xenotropic virusA virus that can be grown in a species different from the normal host species.
endomitosisMitosis with no cell division, which leads to a doubling of ploidy.
tropical savannaSee savanna.
catenaneA circular DNA molecule with two or more interlinked rings.
decomposerbacteria that break down dead organic material.
inter seAmong themselves.
temperate phageA phage (virus) that invades but may not destroy (lyse) the host (bacterial cell)
progradationThe natural extension of a shoreline seaward.
phytoalexinAn antibiotic, produced by plants, that destroys microorganisms or inhibits their growth.
l-A configurational prefix that designates one of two chiral configurations (see D-).
agonistA component of the body's immune response
dermad/DERM-ad/ adv
secondary substanceOrganic chemical produced by a plant that has no direct function in its metabolism
pcrPeptide signal : Segment de 15 à 30 acides aminés présent à la partie N-terminale d'une protéine, et qui indique à la machinerie cellulaire que cette protéine doit être exportée ou sécrétée
neutralAny substance with a pH around 7.
virionA complete viral particle comprising a nucleic acid core and a protein capsid.
nidologynide-DAWL-ə-jee/ The scientific study of nests.
colloidA substance that contains components in different phases (e.g., minute solid particles within a liquid).
ligninComplex, insoluble polymer whose structure, while not well understood, gives strength and rigidity to cellulose fibers in the cell walls of woody plants
volumeThe occupation of space in three dimensions
orogenic beltA major range of mountains on the continents.
genusa group of closely related species
diastasis/die-AST-ə-səs/ n
evolutionary adapationAn accumulation of inherited characteristics that enhance organisms' ability to survive and reproduce in specific environments
double fertilizationA mechanism of fertilization in angiosperms, in which two sperm cells unite with two cells in the embryo sac to form the zygote and endosperm.
topographypattern of elevation of the Earth's surface including the ocean bottom
public policya set of action guidelines or rules that result from the actions or lack of actions of governmental entities.
molarityA common measure of solute concentration, referring to the number of moles of solute in 1 L of solution.
theropodAny member of the group Theropoda, which were bipedal, flesh-eating saurischian dinosaurs.
bifurcation ratioQuantitative ratio determined between the parts of systems that display branching
immunosuppressionReduction of the immune responses, for instance by giving drugs to prevent transplant rejection.
nasopalatineNAY-zō-PAL-ə-teen/ Pertaining to the nose and palate.
robinson projectionMap projection system that tries to present more accurate representations of area
translational stop signalSee termination codon.
false negativeA test result that wrongly shows an effect to be absent.
heparanA glycosaminoglycan.
neuronesNerve cells, the structural and functional unit of the nervous system
geothermal energyHeat energy derived from the Earth's interior.
organa group of tissues that form a distinct structure and perform a specific function, such as a heart or lung.
differentiateA developmental process by which individual cells in the body become specialized and take on different functions.
teraflopA measure of supercomputer speed equivalent to 10 to the power of 12 floating point operations per second.
helicaseAn enzyme that catalyzes the unwinding of DNA.
greenhouse effectThe warming of planet Earth due to the atmospheric accumulation of carbon dioxide, which absorbs reflected infrared radiation and re-refJects some of it back toward Earth.
single domain antibodyA synthetic antibody based on a single chain.
surrogate markeran indirect measure of effectiveness, such as a laboratory test or tumor shrinkage, used to show a strong potential for effectiveness in accelerated drug approval.
tractA group or bundle of nerve fibers with accompanying connective tissue, located within the central nervous system.
dactyl/DAKT-əl/ n
phenotypeAn individual's observed characteristics that usually (but not always) a result of their genotype
bacteriaUnicellular prokaryotic organisms that lack a membrane-bounded nucleus.
mesenchymal stem cellA pluripotent cell that differentiates into connective tissue.
ascitesAn accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
saturated fatA fat that has only single bonds in the molecule.
inversion loop  The loop that results when homologous chromosomes, one with an inversion, pair.
thecaA layer which encloses a body, may refer to a closely adpressed rigid wall, or to a more loosely-attached rigid lorica or test or even to a soft enclosing sheath of material.
rock slideLarge scale mass movement of rock materials downslope.
industrial revolutionMajor change in the economy and society of humans brought on by the use of machines and the efficient production of goods
chemical weatheringBreakdown of rock and minerals into small sized particles through chemical decomposition.
traitany characteristic of an organism, whether genetic or structural.
transfiguration  The act of transforming; a change in appearance or character or circumstances.
nuclear magnetic resonanceTechnique used to study molecular structure by analyzing the absorption of electromagnetic resonance at a specific frequency in atoms subjected to strong magnetic field.
solution-phase synthesisLiquid-phase combinatorial chemical synthesis techniques for the creation of libraries of diverse compounds.
assemblyThe compiling of overlapping gene sequence fragments into a single, continuous sequence.
human serum albuminSoluble blood proteins that make up about 55% of plasma proteins
avirulentA term describing a pathogen that can only mildly harm, but not kill, the host plant.
prior oddsA ratio of the probability of one hypothesis relative to the probability of another hypothesis ((Prob(H1)/Prob(H2)), prior to observing any data.
stereoisomerA molecule that is a mirror image of another molecule with the same molecular formula.
catalytic antibodyAn antibody engineered to catalyze an enzymatic reaction
biotechnologythe use of biological processes to make products
stream bankSides of the stream channel.
reverse faultThis vertical fault develops when compressional force causes the displacement of one block of rock over another.
bottleneck effectGenetic drift resulting from the reduction of a population, typically by a natural disaster, such that the surviving population is no longer genetically representative of the original population.
endothermAn animal, such as a bird or mammal, that uses metabolic heat to regulate body temperature.
nutrientAny food, chemical element or compound an organism requires to live, grow, or reproduce.
biochemical pathwayA series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that results in the conversion of a precursor molecule into a product molecule.
derepressionDiagnostic génétique : Détection de gènes d'un organisme par hybridation de son génome avec des sondes moléculaires spécifiques
congruencyA measure of how similar are different phylogenetic trees containing the same operational taxonomic units (OTUs).
peridermThe protective coat that replaces the epidermis in plants during secondary growth, formed of the cork and cork cambium.
pelagic zoneOpen ocean that is not near the coast or ocean floor.
peroxisomeA microbody containing enzymes that transfer hydrogen from various substrates to oxygen, producing and then degrading hydrogen peroxide.
perihelionIt is the point in the Earth's orbit when it is closest to the Sun (147.5 million km)
basaltA hard, black volcanic rock with low silica content
runoffThe topographic flow of water from precipitation to stream channels located at lower elevations
paraxial rodA rod of material lying within the flagellum parallel to the axoneme, only found in some protists (e.g
institutional review boardThe Institutional Review Board (IRB) makes sure that risks to people are as low as possible in a research study.
pupilThe opening in the iris, which admits light into the interior of the vertebrate eye
gene testingSee: genetic testing
selectionistOne who holds that most molecular divergence and variation is shaped by selection
lateral line systemA mechanoreceptor system consisting of a series of pores and receptor units (neuromasts) along the sides of the body of fishes and aquatic amphibians; detects water movements made by an animal itself and by other moving objects.
disposable instrumentsItems that will be used only once to collect evidence, such as biological samples, then discarded to minimize contamination (e.g., tweezers, scalpel blades, droppers).
global warmingA term used to describe a warming event that raises Earth's average temperature and causes an associated climate change.
agarA gelatinous material prepared from certain red algae that is used to solidify nutrient media for growing microorganisms.
mdaThe MDA is a  national voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services, and public health education.  The MDA is dedicated to conquering more than 40 neuromuscular diseases.
storm surgeRelatively rapid rise in the height of the ocean along a coastline
sarsSevere acute respiratory syndrome
decubation/deck-you-BAY-shən/ n
mass numberTotal number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus of an atom
probabilityA quantitative description of the likely occurrence of a particular event, conventionally expressed on a scale of 0 to 1.
outputMovement of matter, energy, or information out of a system
homozygousHaving two forms of a particular gene that are the same, one inherited from each parent
hypostatic geneSee Epistasis
orthologousA gene present in multiple species that descended from a unique ancestral gene, when the relative divergence in different species is comparable to the overall difference between the species
mineralsinorganic molecules that are essential for normal metabolism, growth and development, and for the regulation of cell function
o horizonTopmost layer of most soils
systemic circuitThe branch of the circulatory system that supplies all body organs and then returns oxygen-poor blood to the right atrium via the veins.
omnivoreA heterotrophic animal that consumes both meat and plant material.
longshore currentA water current that moves parallel to the shoreline.
protozoaThe protozoa ("first animals") are a heterogeneous group of microorganisms of very diverse characters, behavior, and life cycles
temporary environmental effectEffect which influences only a single observation on an individual.
established cell lineA group of cultured cells derived from a single origin and capable of stable growth for many generations.
termination codonSee stop codon.
bioethicsThe study of ethical issues raised by the developments in the life science technologies.
superpestA plant pest that has developed a resistance to an insectide (that has been genetically engineered into a plant, or externally applied to a crop) it was once intolerant of.
natural gasHydrocarbon based gas, mainly composed of methane, commonly found in the pores of sedimentary rocks of marine origin.
hyperproliferationan abnormal increase in the rate of cell reproduction.
forestEcosystem dominated by trees
bacteriocinA toxin produced by a bacterium that kills its competitors.
inflorescenceAny type of flower cluster.
erythropoiesisThe production of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the marrow of adults from pluripotent stem cells.
protein-rnaThis term is used to identify and describe interaction data displayed at SGD
dicotyledon/die-cawt-əl-EE-dən/ n
high pressureAn area of atmospheric pressure within the Earth's atmosphere that is above average
multinational corporationCorporation operating (with offices, factories, headquarters) in more than one country
microphyllIn lycophytes, a small leaf with a single unbranched vein.
marker rescueThe recovery of genetic markers due to recombination events that restore function.
meiosiscellular division that yields four gametes through two cellular divisions
utricleA chamber behind the oval window that opens into the three semicircular canals.
prebiotic synthesisThe naturally occurring synthesis of organic compounds before there was life on Earth.
punctateWith a dimpled or spotted appearance.
biospherePart of the Earth where life is found
moleculethe smallest unit of any chemical substance that has an independent, separate existence and that still retains the properties of the chemical substance
second messengerA small, nonprotein, water-soluble molecule or ion, such as calcium ion or cyclic AMP, that relays a signal to a cell's interior in response to a signal received by a signal receptor protein.
calvin cycleA series of reactions by which six molecules of CO2 are converted into glucose.
phageA bacterial virus.
cell structureThe total type and arrangement of components in a cell - varies depending on species and specialised function.
markerPieces of DNA sequence of known locations on chromosomes that are used to identify the specific genetic variations an individual possesses.
fallopian tube  The pathway that leads from the ovary to the uterus
archaebacteriaOne of two major groups of prokaryotes; many species of archaebacteria live in extreme conditions similar to those prevalent on primitive Earth.
thalassaemiaA hereditary anaemia resulting from reduced production of either alpha or beta haemoglobin
anatomyThe study of the structure of an organism
cost of meiosisSee cost of genome dilution.
sinusoidal equal-area projectionMap projection that represents areas in their true form on a two-dimensional map
phenylalanine exchangePhenylalanine exchanges are lists of common foods with information on the amount of phenylalanine that they contain
villus(1) A fingerlike projection of the inner surface of the small intestine
nemadesmataStiff aggregates of many microtubules found around the cytostome of some ciliates and used during the ingestion of food
intrahepaticWithin the liver.
half-lifeThe time required for the disappearance of one half of a substance.
protandryMaturation of the male organs before that of the female organs
ecocentrismThe view that considers the whole environment or ecosphere as important and deserving of consideration, without giving preference to organisms such as animals and humans
coastal zoneRelatively nutrient-rich, shallow part of the ocean that extends from the high-tide mark on land to the edge of the continental shelf.
medlineMedline is the National Library of Medicine's database of biomedical papers; it contains all citation information for each paper, as well as abstracts for most of the papers.
siltstoneFine grained sedimentary rock composed of lithified silt particles.
major histocompatibility complexA group of genes that controls several aspects of the immune response
cone cellOne of two types of photoreceptors in the vertebrate eye; detects color during the day
abortionThe termination of a pregnancy in progress.
sphenopsidA member of a group of plants that includes trees in the Carboniferous coal swamp forests as well as the living horsetail (Equisetum).
diffusion feedingFeeding strategy in which the predator relies on the movements of the prey to make contact - as in heliozoa and suctoria.
urethraCommon duct in the penis for passage of sperm and urine, normally controlled so that only sperm pass at ejaculation.
epizooticThe widespread occurrence of an animal disease.
antibioticA substance that interfers with a particular step of cellular metabolism, causing either bactericidal or bacteriostatic inhibition; sometimes restricted to those having a natural biological origin.
culture mediumA liquid or gel containing nutrients that is used to cultivate microorganisms.
payoff matrixA matrix showing the payoff that is won by each possible strategy when played against each other strategy.
day lengthPeriod of time for a location on the Earth when insolation from the Sun is being received.
chromatin remodelingThe architectural re-structuring of chromatin
hereditaryCapable of being passed, through genetic material, from one generation to the next.
physicochemicalRelating to both physical and chemical properties.
heel prickBlood for newborn screening for PKU and other diseases is usually taken from the heel of a baby, after pricking it with a needle.
stock centerThe Dictyostelium Stock Center stores all available D
denaturation of proteinsThe unfolding of a protein molecule, usually by high temperatures or ionic detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS).
riluzole Glutamate antagonist approved in the united states to treat patients with ALS.
hormoneA substance produced in particular cells (for example, in a gland) that can travel to other parts of the body and (often in very small quantities) influence those other parts
natural selectionthe process by which only the organisms better adapted to the environment survive and reproduce.
topographic mapMap that displays topography through the use of elevation contour lines
noncompetitive inhibitorA substance that reduces the activity of an enzyme by binding to a location remote from the active site, changing its conformation so that it no longer binds to the substrate.
epigenesisA cartilaginous flap that blocks the top of the windpipe, the glottis, during swallowing, which prevents the entry of food or fluid into the respiratory system.
unit of instructionA clearly identified component of an educational course or training program.
radarsatSatellite program established by the Canadian Space Agency for the purpose of remotely sensing the Earth's resources
insertion sequenceA transposable nucleotide sequence that only encodes the functions required for its own transposition
ice sheetA dome-shaped glacier covering an area greater than 50,000 square kilometers
return on investmentprofit (or loss) on an investment, often expressed as a percentage.
sodium dodecyl sulfateAlso known as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
x-ray diffractionThe scattering of x-rays from a crystal, resulting in an interference pattern used to determine the structure of the crystal.
expected numberPrediction of the number of observations occurring for an event based on the probability of the event given the hypothesis being tested and the total number of observations in the sample.
melatoninA hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates body functions related to seasonal day length.
tonoplastA membrane that encloses the central vacuole in a plant cell, separating the cytosol from the cell sap.
coreThe central part of the hepatitis B virus, as well as other viruses.
solsticeDates when the declination of the Sun is at 23.5° North or South of the equator
genotypeThe genetic makeup of an organism
bindTo attach chemically; form a chemical bond with
homunculusA “little man” that was supposedly introduced into a fertilized egg by the sperm and that guided its development
linear equationAn equation of the form y = a + bx, where the variable x does not appear as a power or special function.
genomic imprintingPhenomenon in which expression of an allele in offspring depends on whether the allele is inherited from the male or female parent.
acuteOf short and sharp course; not chronic (new infection).
chimeraThe individual (animal or lower organism) produced by grafting an embryonic part of one species onto an embryo of either the same or a different specie.
environmental stewardshipThis is a view that humans have a duty to manage and care for the whole natural environment
two-hybrid systemA method for studying protein-protein interactions
ferrel cellThree-dimensional atmospheric circulation cell located at roughly 30 to 60° North and South of the equator.
lithificationThe process of cementation, compaction, desiccation, and crystallization of sediments into solid rock.
outcrossingMating with unrelated individuals.
sSee selection coefficient.
darwinian medicineThe application of evolutionary principles to medicine.
irreducibly complexA system that cannot function if any one of its components is missing.
law of stream numberMorphometric relationship observed in the number of stream segments of a particular classification order in stream channel branching
signal to noise ratioA measure of signal strength relative to background noise.
coevolutionThe coordinated evolution of two or more species that interact and exert selective pressures on each other that can cause each species to undergo associated adaptations
maldi-tof msThe abbreviation for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, a high-throughput protein sequencing method based on embedding samples in a matrix from which they are desorbed by laser light.
triticaleThe species formed by crossing wheat and rye.
conservation biologyA goal-oriented science that seeks to counter the biodiversity crisis, the current rapid decrease in Earth's variety of life.
hormoneIn multicellular organisms, one of many types of circulating chemical signals that are formed in specialized cells, travel in body fluids, and act on specific target cells to change their functioning.
x chromosomeThe sex chromosome that exists in paired form in females.
parathyroid glandAny o{ {our smarr encfocrine glands, embedded in the surface of the thyroid gland, that secrete parathyroid hormone
adeno-associated virusA virus used to construct vectors that introduce genes into cultured cells.
lymphocyteA blood cell that functions in the immune response
escherichia coliA bacterium that inhabits the intestinal tract of most vertebrates
surface creepThe sliding and rolling movement of soil particles on the Earth's surface because of wind
quality controlMonitoring the degree of adherence to defined criteria, taking corrective action when the system fails and documenting all of these events to convey the total quality of performance.
treatable conditionA condition with a known treatment that can improve the survival and/or quality of life of an individual.
electron transport chainA series of carriers through which electrons are transported from a higher to a lower energy state.
protein shella protective layer enclosing a virus that protects its genetic material.
hybrid seed1
euphotic zoneThe layer of a body of water that receives sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis
hyphaeMulticellular filaments formed during the vegetative reproduction of fungi or actinomycetes.
sympathetic divisionOne of two divisions of the autonomic nervous system of vertebrates; generally increases energy expenditure and prepares the body for action.
blastBasic Local Alignment Search Tool is a search algorithm developed by Altschul et al
littoral transportThe process of sediment moving along a coastline
soil organic matterOrganic constituents of soil.
subunitIndividual polypeptide chains in a protein.
paleaThe smaller of the two bracts (the other being the lemma) that encloses the stamens and pistil in a grass floret.
positive feedbackA physiological control mechanism in which a change in some variable triggers mechanisms that amplify the change.
lytic infectionA viral infection that results in the lysis of the host cell and release of viral progeny.
proof-readingAn enzymatic mechanism that corrects errors in DNA synthesis.
coniferAny member of the conifer lineage of seed plants that have cone-like reproductive structures, and typically have needle or scale-like leaves
kettle holeDepression found in glacial deposits
fetchThe distance of open water in one direction across a body of water over which wind can blow.
stream gradientThe change in elevation from a stream's headwaters to its mouth expressed in degrees, percentage, or as a distance ratio (rise/run).
restoration ecologyA goal-directed science that applies ecological principles in an effort to return degraded ecosystems to conditions as similar as possible to their natural, predegraded state.
nucleusThe structure within the cell that contains the chromosomes.
dnaDeoxyribonucleic acid
genetic predispositionHaving some genetic factor(s) that may make an individual more likely to develop a particular condition than the general population.
mapAn abstraction of the real world that is used to depict, analyze, store, and communicate spatially organized information about physical and cultural phenomena.
source regionArea where air masses originate and come to possess their moisture and temperature characteristics.
pharmingThe process of farming GM plants or animals to be used as living pharmaceutical factories
cyclin-dependent kinaseA protein kinase that is active only when attached to a particular cyclin.
tripartite matingA process in which conjugation is used to transfer a plasmid vector to a target cell when the plasmid vector is not self-mobilizable
dna carrier1
eddyA localized chaotic movement of air or liquid in a generally uniform larger flow.
attenuatorA provisional transcription stop signal.
nucleomorphA highly reduced relic of a nucleus
dendrology/den-DRAWL-ə-jee/ n
polysaccharideA linear or branched chain structure containing many sugar molecules linked by glycosidic bonds.
herbivoreAn animal that consumes living plants or their parts.
metaphasesecond phase of mitosis in which the chromosomes line up across the equator of the cell.
nanometerA unit of measure in the metric system
active immunityA type of acquired immunity whereby resistance to a disease is built up by either having the disease or receiving a vaccine to it.
heterochronyThe change in the relative timing or duration of events during development achieved by altering the relative onset or ending of particular developmental processes.
polymerA large molecule (macromolecule) composed of multiple repeated units which are identical or similar.
rockfallType of mass movement that involves the detachment and movement of a small block of rock from a cliff face to its base
pacific highHigh pressure system that develops over the central Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian Islands
hermaphrodite  [Greek Ermafrodito, son of Hermes and Aphrodite, who, according to mythology, merged with the nymph Salmacis and thus acquired both male and female characteristics.]
surrogateA person or animal that functions as a substitute for another
systoleThe stage of the heart cycle in which the heart muscle contracts and the chambers pump blood.
asthenospherethe partially melted portion of the upper mantle in the earth's interior
endogenousDeveloped from within a cell, tissue, or organism.
oncogenesGenes that normally play a role in the growth of cells but, when overexpressed or mutated, can foster the growth of cancer.
mutationsrabies
cathodeA negatively charged electrode.
polar cellThree-dimensional atmospheric circulation cell located at roughly 60 to 90° North and South of the equator
pathogenAn organism or agent that causes disease
ecological nicheThe sum total of a species' use of the biotic and abiotic resources in its environment.
modularitySubdivision into distinct parts or modules that can function independently
tabulate coralAny member of an extinct order (Tabulata) of corals that take their name from their horizontal internal partitions
pigmentsChemicals that are coloured
apoptosisThe changes that occur within a cell as it undergoes programmed cell death, which is brought about by signals that trigger the activation of a cascade of suicide proteins in the cell destined to die.
styleThe stalk of a flower's carpel, with the ovary at the base and the stigma at the top.
genealogyThe tree-like ancestral relationship that connects a set of genes at a single genetic locus.
terrestrialBelonging to or inhabiting the land.
natural logarithmThe natural logarithm log(x) is the inverse of the exponential function: log(exp(y)) = y
meiosisNuclear division that occurs in eukaryotes to produce haploid eggs and spermocytes from a diploid cell
through talikIs a form of localized unfrozen ground (talik) in an area of permafrost
taxisMovement toward or away from a stimulus.
benthicLiving at the bottom of a body of water.
electromagnetic energyEnergy stored in electromagnetic waves or radiation
moraineA hill of glacial till deposited directly by a glacier.
mutationChange in the number, arrangement, or molecular sequence of a gene
medical foodsPatients with PKU are usually unable to eat natural sources of protein, due to its phenylalanine content
organic compoundsCarbon compounds generally derived from living organisms.
quiescentSilent or inactive.
pr proteinA protein involved in plant responses to pathogens (PR = pathogenesisrelated) .
wave crestThe curved tops or ridges of an oscillating wave.
thyroid hormoneA hormone synthesized from tyrosine in the thyroid gland.
proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)
mutationThe genetically inheritable alteration of a gene or group of genes.
trinucleotide repeatSee Triplet Repeat.
bractA modified leaf that often subtends reproductive structures.
sex ratioThe ratio of males to females in the population.
zygotene stageStage in meiotic prophase in which homologous chromosomes pair up, and visible bodies in the nucleus are now bivalents.
proteinsOrganic compounds made up of amino acids
hornPyramidal peak that forms when several cirques erode a mountain from three or more sides.
decomposerAny of the saprobic fungi and prokaryotes that absorb nutrients from nonliving organic material such as corpses, fallen plant material, and the wastes of living organisms, and convert them into inorganic forms.
immunosuppressionSuppression of the immune response.
eddy diffusionMixing of the atmosphere by chaotic air currents.
depolarizationAn electrical state in an excitable cell whereby the inside of the cell is made less negative relative to the outside than at the resting membrane potential
locusThe site in a linkage map or on a chromosome
excipientan inactive ingredient (there are no absolutely inert excipients) added to a drug to give it a pill form or otherwise aid in delivery.
photosynthesisThe conversion of light energy to chemical energy that is stored in glucose or other organic compounds; occurs in plants, algae, and certain prokaryotes.
newborn screeningThe process of testing all babies for certain diseases, such as PKU, so that treatment can be applied in time to protect the child from long-term harm from the disease
temperature-sensitive mutationA mutation that results in a gene product that is functional within a certain temperature range (e.g
kin discriminationThe ability to distinguish between related and unrelated individuals.
fibrous proteinInsoluble structural protein in which the polypeptide chain is coiled along one dimension
extantDescribes a species that is still living, not extinct.
gpsGlobal Positioning System - a system that utilizes satellites and a handheld device to pinpoint one's exact location on the Earth.
kinetic energyThe energy due to motion.
cytoplasmAll the inner contents of a cell external to the nucleus and bounded by the cell membrane.
resolvaseAn enzyme involved in the replicative transposition of elements in E
critical entrainment velocityVelocity required to entrain a particular sized particle into the moving medium of air or water.
prokaryoteA unicellular organism lacking a membrane-bound nucleus
homologySimilarity in characteristics resulting from a shared ancestry
lymphocyteA type of leukocyte found in lymphoblastic tissue in the blood, lymph nodes and organs
lagging strandA discontinuously synthesized DNA strand that elongates in a direction away from the replication fork.
inflammatory responseA line of defense triggered by penetration of the skin or mucous membranes, in which small blood vessels in the vicinity of an injury dilate and become leakier, enhancing the infiltration of leukocytes; may also be widespread in the body.
outer coreOuter region of the Earth's core
binomial nomenclatureNaming scheme for species in which there is a genus name and a species name.
nucleusa comparatively large structure found in all eukaryotic cells
calyptraA protective cap of gametophyte tissue that wholly or partially covers an immature capsule in many mosses.
single chain antibodyA synthetic antibody based on a single chain.
biotreatmentThe treatment of a waste or hazardous substance using organisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa (see bioremediation).
divideThe topographic ridge that separates drainage basins.
viableThe ability of an organism to grow and divide.
epidemiologyEpissage : Processus englobant l'excision des introns et la réunion des exons dans l'ARN
isogenicGenotypically identical.
neoplasmA tissue growth or tumor that may be benign or malignant.
shaleFine grained sedimentary rock composed of lithified clay particles.
genomicsGenomics aims at deciphering the structure and the functioning of genomes as a whole
primary immune responseThe initial immune response to an antigen, which appears after a lag of several days.
mutagenAn agent that can bring about a heritable change (mutation) in an organism.
thinning1
biofoulingLiving organisms that attach to and start living on any object that is submerged in the sea
cell specializationcharacteristic of certain cells that makes them uniquely suited to perform a particular function within the organism.
hairy root cultureA fairly recent development in plant culture, consisting of highly branched roots of a plant
meridional transportTransport of atmospheric and oceanic energy from the equator to the poles.
carbon use efficiencyRatio of net primary productivity to gross primary productivity.
learning outcomesSee learning objectives.
groundwaterWater that occupies the pore spaces found in some types of bedrock.
gross primary productivityThe total primary productivity of an ecosystem.
megafaunarefers to animals greater than 20 cm in size
reproductive tableAn age-specific summary of the reproductive rates in a population
ice fieldLarge level area of glacial ice found covering a large expanse of land
polypeptideA chain of peptides
blade(1) The broad, expanded part of a leaf
parasitologyThe study of the biology of parasites
chemical reactionA process leading to chemical changes in matter; involves the making and/or breaking of chemical bonds.
green algaeAlgae of the class Chlorophyceae
lysosomal storage diseaseA family of diseases characterized by the accumulation of undegraded material in the lysosomes of affected individuals.
covalent bondA stable bond between atoms based on the sharing of electrons.
peptidoglycanA polymer that contains equal amounts of peptide and polysaccharide.
density-gradient centrifugationThe separation, by centrifugation, of molecules according to their density, in a gradient varying in solute concentration.
adhAbbreviation of antidiuretic hormone.
nervous systemAll the nerve cells of an animal; the receptor-conductor-effector system; in humans, the nervous system consists of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system.
enzymesProtein molecules that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions.
carbon sequestrationBiological or physical process that captures carbon dioxide and converts it into inert, long-lived, carbon-containing materials.
papillaeSmall colonies that appear within or at the edge of a colony
ribosomal proteinAny protein component of a ribosomal subunit
ostracodeAny member of the crustacean class Ostracoda, which have a shrimp-like body in a bivalved shell
sieve elementCell in the phloem tissue concerned with longitudinal conduction of food materials
moleculeMinute particle that consists of connected atoms of one or many elements.
alveolar rhabdomyosarcomaA soft-tissue tumour with muscle differentiation occurring in children.
endophyteAny organism (usually a fungus or microbe) that lives inside another organism and establishes a parasitic or mutualistic relationship with its host.
recombinant dnaDNA molecule that forms from the combination of portions of two different DNA molecules.
anonymized dataData that cannot be traced back to their donor.
wild-typeA strain used as a standard reference to compare any mutant derivatives
continental divideThe elevated area that occurs on a continent that divides continental scale drainage basins.
cosmidA DNA molecule with cos ends from lambda-bacteriophage that can be packaged in vitro into a virus for infection purposes .
nicheAdaptive role that a species has in a habitat
cloningFormation of exact genetic replicas.
chronic hepatitisA condition in which liver inflammation persists for more than six months.
dimer/DIE-mer/ n
neurosecretory cellA specialized nerve cell that releases a hormone into the bloodstream in response to signals from other nerve cells; located in the hypothalamus and adrenal medulla.
epimersTwo stereoisomers with more than one chiral center that differ in configuration at one of their chiral centers.
keywordA keyword is a word identified as particularly informative about an object