Category: Biology Dictionary C

Cell Division Definition Cell division is the process cells go through to divide. There are several types of cell division, depending upon what type of organism is dividing. Organisms have evolved over time to have different and more complex forms of cell division. Most prokaryotes, or bacteria, use binary fission to divide the cell. Eukaryotes […]

Cell Differentiation Definition Cellular differentiation, or simply cell differentiation, is the process through which a cell undergoes changes in gene expression to become a more specific type of cell. The process of cell differentiation allows multi-cellular organisms to create uniquely functional cell types and body plans. The process of cell differentiation is driven by genetics, […]

Cell Cycle Definition The cell cycle is a cycle of stages that cells pass through to allow them to divide and produce new cells. It is sometimes referred to as the “cell division cycle” for that reason. New cells are born through the division of their “parent” cell, producing two “daughter” cells from one single […]

Cell Culture Definition Cell culture is a method used to cultivate, propagate and grow a large amount of cells in a dish. The cells can be of a mixed, heterogeneous origin with different cell types growing, or they can be a singular cell type, sometimes clonal in origin. Cell culture allows one to grow cells […]

Cell Definition Cells are the basic unit of life. In the modern world, they are the smallest known world that performs all of life’s functions. All living organisms are either single cells, or are multicellular organisms composed of many cells working together. Cells are the smallest known unit that can accomplish all of these functions. […]

Catabolism Definition Catabolism is the part of the metabolism responsible for breaking complex molecules down into smaller molecules. The other part of the metabolism, anabolism, builds simple molecules into more complex ones. During the catabolism energy is released from the bonds of the large molecules being broken down. Typically, that energy is then stored in the bonds of adenosine […]

Definition Cartilage is a semi-rigid but flexible avascular connective tissue found at various sites within the body. With a pliable structure composed primarily of water, this tissue type is also extremely tough. Cartilage is found throughout the human body in areas such as the joints, nose, airway, intervertebral discs of the spine, and the ear. […]

Definition Carrying capacity is the number of organisms that an ecosystem can sustainably support. An ecosystem’s carrying capacity for a particular species may be influenced by many factors, such as the ability to regenerate the food, water, atmosphere, or other necessities that populations need to survive. Carrying Capacity Explained In biology, the concept of carrying […]

Carrion Definition and Explanation Carrion is dead animal matter, which may also be actively decaying. Any animal which dies leaves a carcass, or the remains of their body. This material is eaten by scavengers, and is further reduced to small pieces of organic material known as detritus. Carrion serves as a major source of food for many […]

Carrier Protein Definition Carrier proteins are proteins that carry substances from one side of a biological membrane to the other. Many carrier proteins are found in a cell’s membrane, though they may also be found in the membranes of internal organelles such as the mitochondria, chloroplasts, nucleolus, and others. Carrier proteins and channel proteins are […]