Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Endemism Definition Endemism is the condition of being endemic, or restricted in geographical distribution to an area or region. The area or region can vary in size, and is defined or identified in different ways. Endemism is an ecological classification in that it describes the range or distribution of a species, or group of species. For […]

Emulsify Definition Emulsification, or to emulsify something, is defined as the mixing of two liquids that usually are unmixable together to form an emulsion. Two liquids can form different types of emulsions depending on which liquid was dispersed in which, with one liquid being the dispersed phase and the other being the external phase, which […]

Embryonic Stem Cells Definition An embryonic stem cell is a cell derived from the early stages of an embryo which is capable of differentiating into any type of body cell. Embryonic stem cells are capable of differentiating into any cell type because in the embryo that is what they are used for. Embryonic Stem Cells […]

Embryology Definition Embryology is the branch of biology concerned with the development of new organisms. Embryologists track reproductive cells (gametes) as they progress through fertilization, become a single-celled zygote, then an embryo, all the way to a fully functioning organism. There are many subdivisions of embryology, some scientist focusing on human embryos, while others study animals […]

Embryo Definition An embryo refers to the early developmental stage of eukaryotic organisms following the fertilization of an egg (derived from a female) by sperm (derived from a male) as a method of sexual reproduction. In animals, the initial diploid cell that results from the fusion of the egg and the sperm contains half the […]

Embalming Definition Embalming refers to the preservation of human remains via inhibiting decomposition with the use of chemicals for the purpose of medical education or social reasons (e.g., funeral service). Embalming involves the preservation of the entire human body, and is associated with three goals: Sanitization: Sanitizing the body during embalming involves washing the body in […]

Electron Transport Chain Definition The electron transport chain is a cluster of proteins that transfer electrons through a membrane within mitochondria to form a gradient of protons that drives the creation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is used by the cell as the energy for metabolic processes for cellular functions. Where Does the Electron Transport […]

Definition Elastic cartilage is one of three types of cartilage found in the human body. A form of connective tissue, elastic cartilage is also recognized by its ability to snap back into an original form – or resting form – due to the addition of elastin fibers to the extracellular matrix. This fiber type distinguishes […]

Ectotherm Definition An ectotherm is an organism which derives the heat it requires from the environment. This is in contrast to an endotherm, which creates the heat it needs from internal chemical reactions. A common misconception is that an ectotherm is “cold-blooded”. An ectotherm can regulate its temperature behaviorally, by moving into warmer areas or positioning […]

Ectoderm Definition The ectoderm is a germ layer, or tissue layer, that forms in an animal embryo during development. As the name suggests, the ectoderm is the germ layer that covers the outside of the embryo (‘ecto’ meaning outside). The ectoderm then goes on to give rise to a number of both internal and external […]