Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Carbonyl Group
Carbonyl Group Definition A carbonyl group is a functional group characterized by a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen, found within a larger carbon-based molecule. The electronegativity of oxygen creates a resonance hybrid structure in which the electrons are continuously redistributed. This allows the molecule to participate in more reactions. Carbonyl Group Overview The power of…
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Carbon Cycle
Carbon Cycle Definition The carbon cycle is the cycle by which carbon moves through our Earth’s various systems. The carbon cycle is influenced by living things, atmospheric changes, ocean chemistry, and geologic activity are all part of this cycle. The levels of carbon are at an all-time high, largely due to human activities. Carbon Cycle…
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CAM Plants
CAM Plants Definition CAM – short for “Crassulacean Acid Metabolism” – is a method of carbon fixation evolved by some plants in dry circumstances. In most plants, the stomata – which are like tiny mouths that take in oxygen all along the surfaces of their leaves – open during the day to take in CO2 and…
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Calvin Cycle
Calvin Cycle Definition The Calvin cycle is the cycle of chemical reactions performed by plants to “fix” carbon from CO2 into three-carbon sugars. Later, plants and animals can turn these three-carbon compounds into amino acids, nucleotides, and more complex sugars such as starches. This process of “carbon fixation” is how most new organic matter is created.…
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Calmodulin
Calmodulin Definition Calmodulin, or calcium-modulated protein, is a calcium-binding protein found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. It interacts with many other proteins in the cell, and acts as a regulator or an effector molecule in a wide variety of cellular functions. These functions include things as diverse as regulation of the cell cycle,…
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Bystander Effect
Bystander Effect Definition The bystander effect, also called bystander apathy, is a term in psychology that refers to the tendency of people to take no action in an emergency situation when there are others present. This phenomenon is highly studied in the field of sociology. Bystander Effect Explained Psychologically, there are many causes of the…
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Bryophyte
Bryophyte Definition Bryophytes are a group of plant species that reproduce via spores rather than flowers or seeds. Most bryophytes are found in damp environments and consist of three types of non-vascular land plants: the mosses, hornworts, and liverworts. Bryophyte Characteristics The following characteristics are exhibited by bryophytes: Bryophyte Life Cycle The bryophyte lifecycle consists…
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Bronchioles
Bronchioles Definition The bronchioles are tubes in the lungs which branch off from the larger bronchi that enter each lung, from the large and singular trachea which connects to the mouth. As such, bronchioles are one of the smallest airways in the respiratory tract, and lead directly to the alveolar ducts which house the alveoli responsible for exchanging gases with the blood. These…
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Branched Chain Amino Acids
Definition The branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine, and valine are three of the nine nutritionally essential amino acids. These three ingredients form a popular health supplement primarily consumed by sports enthusiasts as it is believed they contribute to muscle tissue synthesis; however, the true value of BCAA supplements has yet to be proved.…
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Brain
Brain Definition The brain is an organ that coordinates nervous system function in vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. The brain is typically located inside the head, within a protective covering such as an exoskeleton or skull. In humans, the brain weighs about three pounds and consumes a stunning 20-25% of all the body’s energy! The…
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