Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Gene Flow Definition Gene flow is the exchange of alleles between two or more populations. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as allele flow or gene migration. While migrating animals often carry new alleles from one population to another, they must interbreed with the new population for gene flow to occur. In the image below, a…

Definition A gene is an extremely specific sequence of nucleotide monomers that has the ability to completely or partially control the expression of one or more traits in every type of living organism. Genes are formed from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and, in the case of some viruses, ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymers. Overview It was Wilhelm Johannsen who…

Gel Electrophoresis Definition Gel electrophoresis is a procedure used to separate biological molecules by size. The separation of these molecules is achieved by placing them in a gel with small pores and creating an electric field across the gel. The molecules will move faster or slower based on their size and electric charge. Gel Electrophoresis…

Gastrulation Definition Gastrulation is the process during embryonic development that changes the embryo from a blastula with a single layer of cells to a gastrula containing multiple layers of cells. Gastrulation typically involves the blastula folding in upon itself or dividing, which creates two layers of cells. Organisms that do not form a third layer…

Definition Gardnerella vaginalis is the name of a micro-aerophilic coccobacillus found in the vaginal flora. Gardnerella vaginalis does not cause bacterial vaginosis (vaginal infection) unless populations become dominant; recent findings seem to show that this bacterium may be part of the normal vaginal flora and not only the result of sexual transmission. Gardnerella Vaginalis in Healthy Vaginal Flora…

Gap Junction Definition Gap junctions are a type of cell junction in which adjacent cells are connected through protein channels. These channels connect the cytoplasm of each cell and allow molecules, ions, and electrical signals to pass between them. Gap junctions are found in between the vast majority of cells within the body because they…

Gametophyte Definition Gametophytes are the stage which produces sex cells in plants and algae that undergo alternation of generations. Among land plants, these sex cells may be referred to as “sperm” and “eggs,” with “male” and “female” sex cells combining to produce offspring. Unlike animals and other organisms that use sexual reproduction, gametophytes do not…

Gamete Definition Gametes are haploid reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms that fuse with one another during fertilization. Fertilization produces a diploid cell that undergoes repeated rounds of cell division to produce a new individual. Gametes are the physical carriers of genetic information from one generation to the next. They carry recombinant chromosomes produced at…