Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Also known as pyralis. Latin name Ostrinia nubialis, it is an insect whose larvae eat and bore into the corn/maize plant (Zea mays L). In doing so, they can act as vectors (i.e., carriers) of the fungi known diS Aspergillusflavus (source of aflatoxin) or Fusarium moniliforme (source of fumonisin). ECB control can be effected via…

A cell carrying an exact multiple of the haploid chromosome number. For example, a diploid possesses twice the haploid number of chromosomes. An organism or cell having a chromosome number that is an exact multiple of the monoploid or haploid number, heteroploid.  

First formulated by Francis Galton, who was a contemporary of Gregor Mendel in the 1 9th century, eugenics is the concept that a species can be “improved” by encouraging reproduction of only those organisms in that species that possess “desired” traits. This belief became popular in a number of countries during the early 20th century.…

Also spelled eukaryote. A cell characterized by compartmentalization (by membranes) of its extensive internal structures; or an organism made up of such cells. For example, eucaryotes possess a distinct membrane-surrounded nucleus containing the DNA. Eucaryotic cells (e.g., human cells) are much larger and more complex than procaryotic cells (e.g., bacteria). The cells of all higher…

The microorganism (or other agent) that causes the disease.  

Chemical compounds in foods that are required for (consuming organism’s) life, growth, or tissue repair, and cannot be synthesized by that organism. Specific nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through food. Nutrients needed by the body that must be provided in the diet. There are species and age differences…

The particular strain (serotype) of Escherichia coliform (E. coli) bacteria that causes of tenfatal diarrhea, internal bleeding, and kidney damage in humans. Although cattle were susceptible to E. coifs toxins prior to the 1980s, they eventually developed resistance. That meant that the cattle could carry these bacteria without getting sick, and transmit E. coli 0157:H7…

Hemoglobin-containing cells (manufactured in the bone marrow) that transport the oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues where it is needed.  

A bacterium that commonly inhabits the human intestine as well as the intestine of other vertebrates (i.e., animals possessing a skeleton). The most thoroughly studied of all bacteria, Escherichia coli is used in many microbiological experiments. It has historically been considered the workhorse of genetic engineering research, and genetically engineered versions have been used to…

Enolpyruvyl-shikimate phosphate synthase. An enzyme produced by virtually all plants, it is essential in a plant’s metabolism biochemical pathway, and for the biosynthesis (i.e., creation) of aromatic (ring-shaped) amino acids. Some (glyphosate-containing) herbicides kill unwanted plants (e.g., weeds) by inhibiting EPSP synthase. By incorporating a gene that causes (over-) production of CP4 EPSP synthase into…