Category: Biology Dictionary C

Cytosol Definition Cytosol is the liquid found inside of cells. It is the water-based solution in which organelles, proteins, and other cell structures float. The cytosol of any cell is a complex solution, whose properties allow the functions of life to take place. Cytosol contains proteins, amino acids, mRNA, ribosomes, sugars, ions, messenger molecules, and […]

Cytoskeleton Definition The cytoskeleton is a network of filaments and tubules that extends throughout a cell, through the cytoplasm, which is all of the material within a cell except for the nucleus. It is found in all cells, though the proteins that it is made of vary between organisms. The cytoskeleton supports the cell, gives […]

Cytoplasm Definition Cytoplasm refers to the fluid that fills the cell, which includes the cytosol along with filaments, proteins, ions and macromolecular structures as well as the organelles suspended in the cytosol. In eukaryotic cells, cytoplasm refers to the contents of the cell with the exception of the nucleus. Eukaryotes have elaborate mechanisms for maintaining […]

Cytolysis Definition Cytolysis, also known as osmotic lysis, occurs when a cell bursts and releases its contents into the extracellular environment due to a great influx of water into the cell, far exceeding the capacity of the cell membrane to contain the extra volume. This is a concern particularly for cells that do not have […]

Cytokinesis Definition Cytokinesis is the final process in eukaryotic cell division, which divides the cytoplasm, organelles, and cellular membrane. Cytokinesis typically occurs at the end of mitosis, after telophase, but the two are independent processes. In most animals, cytokinesis begins sometime in late anaphase or early telophase, to ensure the chromosomes have been completely segregated. […]

Curare Definition Curare is a general name for a number of plant-derived poisons known to be used by South and Central American tribes. Curare is an alkaline poison, meaning that the poison is basic in pH, or exists above a pH of 7. There are many plants from which a curare can be derived, as many plant […]

Cultivar Definition A cultivar is a subspecies classification describing plants varieties which are produced through artificial selection. Cultivar, the word, comes from a combination of cultivated variety. Different forms of the same species are considered varieties. When these varieties are then artificially selected by humans for particular traits, they become a cultivar. Cultivar is a term […]

Crystallization Definition Crystallization is a natural process which occurs as materials solidify from a liquid, or as they precipitate out of a liquid or gas. This can be caused by a physical change, such as a temperature change, or a chemical change such as acidity. Crystallization is a process directed by the size and shapes […]

Crossing Over Definition Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which results in new allelic combinations in the daughter cells. Each diploid cell contains two copies of every chromosome, one derived from the maternal gamete and the other from the paternal gamete. These pairs of chromosomes, […]

Cristae Definition Cristae are sub-compartments of the inner membrane of mitochondria and are essential to mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are often considered the powerhouses of the cell since they are the organelles responsible for the generation of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Mitochondria are comprised of an outer and an inner membrane. Each membrane […]