Dihybrid Cross Definition A dihybrid cross is an experiment in genetics in which the phenotypes of two genes are followed through the mating of individuals carrying multiple alleles at those gene loci. Most sexually reproducing organisms carry two copies of each gene, allowing them to carry two different alleles. Historically, an organism with parts from … Read more
What Are Peripheral Proteins Peripheral protein, or peripheral membrane proteins, are a group of biologically active molecules formed from amino acids which interact with the surface of the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. Unlike integral membrane proteins, peripheral proteins do not enter into the hydrophobic space within the cell membrane. Instead, peripheral proteins have specific … Read more
Polygenic Inheritance Definition Polygenic inheritance, also known as quantitative inheritance, refers to a single inherited phenotypic trait that is controlled by two or more different genes. In a system which differs from Mendelian Genetics, where monogenic traits are determined by the different alleles of a single gene, polygenetic traits may display a range of possible … Read more
Krebs Cycle Definition The Krebs Cycle, also called the citric acid cycle, is the second major step in oxidative phosphorylation. After glycolysis breaks glucose into smaller 3-carbon molecules, the Krebs cycle transfers the energy from these molecules to electron carriers, which will be used in the electron transport chain to produce ATP. Krebs Cycle Overview … Read more
Parenchyma Cells Definition In plants, parenchyma is one of three types of ground tissue. Ground tissue is anything that is not vascular tissue or part of the dermis (skin) of the plant. In contrast to collenchyma and sclerenchyma cells, parenchyma cells primarily consists of all of the simple, thin walled, undifferentiated cells which form a … Read more
Selective Breeding Definition Selective breeding is the process by which humans control the breeding of organisms in order to exhibit or eliminate a particular characteristic. Selective breeding uses artificial selection to direct the genetic transfer of desirable traits. As opposed to natural selection, selective breeding focuses on traits which will benefit humans. Selective Breeding Overview … Read more
Fat Definition Fat is a term used to describe a class of macro nutrients used in metabolism called triglycerides. These make up one of three classes of macronutrients including proteins and carbohydrates. Fats provide a means of storing energy for most eukaryotes, as well as act as a food source. Fats have the highest energy … Read more
Vertebrae Definition Vertebrae are bones located within the vertebral column. In humans, they are a series of 33 bones that run from the base of the skull to the coccyx. The irregularly shaped bones form the roughly S-shape of the spinal cord. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc, which helps provide shock absorption and … Read more
Coronal Plane Definition An organ’s dorsal and ventral halves are divided into an imaginary plane called the coronal plane, also called the frontal plane. A dorsal area is that which faces the spine, whereas a ventral area is that which faces away from the spine, typically toward the ground. A coronal plane runs from the … Read more
Sagittal Plane Definition There is an anatomical boundary between the left and right sides of the body called the sagittal plane. From the mouth to the tail, the sagittal plane runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the organism. The direction toward the sagittal plane is called medial, and the direction away from the sagittal … Read more