Category: Biology Dictionary D

Deletion Mutation Definition A deletion mutation is a mistake in the DNA replication process which removes nucleotides from the genome. A deletion mutation can remove a single nucleotide, or entire sequences of nucleotides. Deletions are thought to occur when the enzyme that synthesizes new DNA slips on the template DNA strand, effectively missing a nucleotide. […]

Dehydration Synthesis Definition Dehydration synthesis refers to the formation of larger molecules from smaller reactants, accompanied by the loss of a water molecule. Many reactions involving dehydration synthesis are associated with the formation of biological polymers where the addition of each monomer is accompanied by the elimination of one molecule of water. Dehydration reactions are […]

Decomposer Definition A decomposer is an organism that decomposes, or breaks down, organic material such as the remains of dead organisms. Decomposers include bacteria and fungi. These organisms carry out the process of decomposition, which all living organisms undergo after death. Decomposition is an important process because it allows organic material to be recycled in […]

Deciduous Trees Definition Deciduous trees lose their leaves at the end of their growing season. This occurs in the fall in temperate deciduous forests, and in the dry season in tropical and subtropical deciduous forests. The word deciduous is from the Latin word decidere, meaning “to fall off.” The term for leaf loss is abscission. These […]

Deciduous Forest Definition A deciduous forest is a biome dominated by deciduous trees which lose their leaves seasonally. The Earth has temperate deciduous forests, and tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, also known as dry forests. Another name for these forests is broad-leaf forests because of the wide, flat leaves on the trees. Trees in tropical […]