Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Curare Definition Curare is a general name for a number of plant-derived poisons known to be used by South and Central American tribes. Curare is an alkaline poison, meaning that the poison is basic in pH, or exists above a pH of 7. There are many plants from which a curare can be derived, as many plant…

Cultivar Definition A cultivar is a subspecies classification describing plants varieties which are produced through artificial selection. Cultivar, the word, comes from a combination of cultivated variety. Different forms of the same species are considered varieties. When these varieties are then artificially selected by humans for particular traits, they become a cultivar. Cultivar is a term…

Crystallization Definition Crystallization is a natural process which occurs as materials solidify from a liquid, or as they precipitate out of a liquid or gas. This can be caused by a physical change, such as a temperature change, or a chemical change such as acidity. Crystallization is a process directed by the size and shapes…

Crossing Over Definition Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which results in new allelic combinations in the daughter cells. Each diploid cell contains two copies of every chromosome, one derived from the maternal gamete and the other from the paternal gamete. These pairs of chromosomes,…

Cristae Definition Cristae are sub-compartments of the inner membrane of mitochondria and are essential to mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are often considered the powerhouses of the cell since they are the organelles responsible for the generation of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Mitochondria are comprised of an outer and an inner membrane. Each membrane…

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…