Category: Biology Dictionary C

CRISPR Definition Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are short, repeating stretches of DNA found in most archaea and many bacteria. CRISPR and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) form an adaptive immune system that protects against foreign genetic elements such as viruses, plasmids, and transposons. The CRISPR/Cas9 system also provides the basis for a genome editing […]

Definition Cricoid cartilage is part of the larynx (just below the pharynx), and sits on a level plane just below the thyroid gland and thyroid cartilage. It is a circular piece of hyaline cartilage which wraps completely around the trachea, providing a place of attachment for various ligaments, muscles and other cartilage. Overview While the […]

Crenation Definition In botany and zoology, crenation refers to the leaf-like scalloped edges of an object such as a leaf or a shell. In biology, crenation describes the formation of abnormal notched surfaces on cells as a result of water loss through osmosis. Cells are usually in an isotonic solution inside the body, meaning that […]

Definition Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), or simply creatine kinase (CK), is an enzyme that helps regulate the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within a cell. To do so, creatine kinase catalyzes the movement of a phosphate group from ATP to creatine, forming phosphocreatine. This molecules stores the phosphate group in a stable form, acting as an […]

Corpus Luteum Definition The elusive corpus luteum is a temporary structure with crucial roles in ovulation and the beginning stages of pregnancy in women. The corpus luteum forms after a follicle has released an egg during ovulation. The hormones secreted, mainly progesterone, ready the body for pregnancy. Corpus Luteum Overview Upon closer look, the corpus […]

Coronal Plane Definition The coronal plane, also called the frontal plane, is an anatomical term describing an imaginary division between an organism’s dorsal and ventral halves. Dorsal indicates an area toward the back or spine, while ventral indicates the direction away from the spine, typically toward the ground. The coronal plane runs along the longitudinal axis, or from the mouth […]

Copepod Definition The term copepod is used to describe small crustacean species that are found in the majority of aquatic environments. Copepods can be found in both the upper waters and bottom of oceans and freshwater bodies, as well as swamps, bogs, ponds, and other wet habitats. Copepods constitute an important zooplankton species. Copepod Lifecycle […]

Convergent Evolution Definition Convergent evolution is the process in which organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar features. Adaptions may take the form of similar body forms, colors, organs and other adaptions which make up the organism’s phenotype. Convergent evolution creates analogous structures or ’homoplasies’, those which have similar forms or functions between diverged species, but were […]

Definition A controlled variable is a commonly used term in the field of scientific research, where finding evidence to support a theory is rarely straightforward. In the case of the natural sciences, some research features are constant, but the majority of these have inconsistencies. These inconsistencies are known as variables. Overview For an experiment to […]

Controlled Experiment Definition A controlled experiment is a scientific test that is directly manipulated by a scientist, in order to test a single variable at a time. The variable being tested is the independent variable, and is adjusted to see the effects on the system being studied. The controlled variables are held constant to minimize or stabilize their […]