Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Synthetic (i.e., man-made) molecules or systems that are analogues of natural (i.e., made by living organisms) materials. For instance, molecules have been synthesized by man that act chemically like natural proteins, but are not as easily degraded by the digestive system (as are those natural protein molecules). Other systems such as reverse micelles and/or liposomes…

All organic matter grown by the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy (e.g., plants), and organic matter from animals. The actual amount of existing material within a species or genus. All of the living organisms in a specified area.  

The enzyme-catalyzed production of light by living organisms, typically during mating or hunting. This word literally means “living light.” Bioluminescence was first identified/analyzed in 1947, by William McElroy. Bioluminescence results when the enzyme luciferase comes into contact with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), inside the photophores (organs which emit the light) of the organism. Such production of…

The oxygen used in meeting the metabolic needs of aerobic organisms in water containing organic compounds. Numerically, it is expressed in terms of the oxygen consumed in water at a temperature of 68°F (20°C) during a five-day period. The BOD is used as an indication of the degree of water pollution. The amount of oxygen…

The effect (change in metabolic activity upon living cells) caused by specific compounds or agents. For example, the drug aspirin causes the blood to thin, that is, to clot less easily.  

The word “biolistic” was coined from the words “biological” and “ballistic” (pertaining to a projectile fired from a gun). Used to shoot pellets that are coated with genes (e.g., for desired traits) into plant seeds or plant tissues, in order to get those plants to then express the new genes. The gun uses an actual…

The bio-mediated recovery of precious metals from their ores. In the recovery of gold, for example, the microorganism T.ferroxidans may be used to cause the gold to leach out of the ore so it may then be concentrated and smelted. Aluminum may be similarly bioleached from clay ores, using hetero-tropic bacteria and fungi.  

A branch of geochemistry that is concerned with biological materials and their relation to earth’s chemicals in an area.  

The theory that living organisms are produced only by other living organisms. That is, the theory of generation from preexisting life. It is the opposite of abiogenesis, or spontaneous generation. A theory that living organisms can only develop from other living organisms. The theory that life can originate only from pre-existing life and never from…

Also called biomolecular electronics. It is the field where biotechnology is crossed with electronics. The branch of biotechnology that deals with the electroactive properties of biological materials, systems, and processes together with their exploitation in electronic devices. Bioelectronics will attempt to replace traditional semiconductor materials (e.g., silicon or gallium arsenide) with organic materials such as…