Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A peptide that causes arteries to contract (which consequently causes blood pressure to increase). A 21-amino acid peptide that is a potent vasoconstrictor. It is produced by a wide variety of cell types in the gastrointestinal tract and cells in the vascular wall. A peptide released from the lining of blood vessels that causes blood…

A highly resistant, dormant inclusion body formed within certain bacteria. To kill spores, temperatures above boiling are usually needed. For this, pressure cookers and autoclaves are required. Endospores have survival value since the spore can remain for long periods of time in a nongrowing state and then, under appropriate conditions, can be induced to germinate…

A highly specialized, complex network of branching, intercommunicating tubules (surrounded by membranes) found in the cytoplasm of most animal and plant cells. The two types of ER recognized are: the rough ER and smooth ER. ER that is covered with many ribosomes is called rough and the ER without or with fewer ribosomes attached is…

A microrganism (i.e., fungus) that lives inside vascular tissues of plants. At least one company has incorporated the gene for a protein toxic to insects (taken from Bacillus thuringiensis) into an endophyte to confer insect resistance to the plant.  

A class of enzymes capable of hydrolyzing (breaking) the interior phosphodiester bonds of DNA or RNA chains. As opposed to cleavage (by exonucleases) at the terminal bonds (ends) of a chain. An enzyme the cleaves the internal bonds of DNA and RNA. An enzyme that cleaves the ends of polynucleotides.  

The lining of the uterus.  

An enzyme capable of hydrolyzing (i.e., breaking) interior bonds in the oligosaccharide molecular branches of a glycoprotein molecule. That is, the enzyme is capable of cutting a sugar-to-sugar bond anywhere within the sugar polymer molecule (depending, of course, on the specificity of the enzyme). This is in contrast to an exoglycosidase, which must cut away…

The branch of science that studies the endocrine glands, hormones, and hormone-like substances. The study of hormones secreted by the endocrine glands. The study of the endocrine system, its function and effects. The study of the endocrine glands and their secretions. Study of the structure, function, and diseases of the endocrine system. The field of…

These are the products secreted by the endocrine glands. These help control long-term bodily processes, such as growth, lactation, sex cycles, and metabolic adjustment. The endocrine system and the nervous system are interdependent and often referred to collectively as the neuroendocrine system. For example, the juvenile hormone, found in insects and annelids, affects sexual maturation.…

A chemical reaction with a positive standard free energy change (i.e., an “uphill” reaction). An (heat) energy-requiring reaction. A nonspontaneous reaction at ambient temperature.