Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A segment of DNA molecule that either precedes or follows the region of interest on the molecule.  

A protein-based, flexible, whip-like organ of locomotion found on some microorganisms. With these, microorganisms are able to swim. Flagella are usually very long and there are usually only one or two per cell. The tails of sperm cells are examples of flagella. Flagella are used in the swimming motion of bacteria towards sources of nutrients…

Skin cells that initially form under a scab in the wound healing process, in response to stimulation by epidermal growth factor (EGF).  

A chromatographic procedure for the separation of a mixture of molecules by means of a two dimensional electrical field, applied across a gel matrix containing those molecules. For example, FIGE is commonly used to separate mixtures of large DNA molecules by their size and (electrical) charge. FIGE can be used to separate (resolve) DNA molecules…

Blood-borne compounds that activate fibrin in order to dissolve blood clots.  

The union of the (haploid) male and (haploid) female germ cells (sex cells or gametes) to produce a diploid zygote. Fertilization marks the start of development of a new individual (organism), the beginning of cell differentiation. The process by which the pollen causes the embryo to become fertile. Conception. The union of an egg (ovum)…

A type of transmissible (i.e., can enter other cells) plasmid that is often found in Escherichia coli (E. coli).  

An iron- and sulfur-containing protein important in the electron-transfer processes of photosynthesis in plants. It also plays a role in the metabolism of some bacteria and was first found in an anaerobic bacterium.  

A mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the incorporation of iron into the protoporphyria molecule.  

Also called iron bacteria. Any of a group of bacteria that oxidize iron as a source of energy. The oxidized iron in the form Fe(OH)3 is then deposited in the environment by secretion from the bacterium. The energy obtained from these reactions is used to carry on processes in which the basic substances needed by…